Egyptian Ports: The Unseen Lifeline for Israel Amid the Gaza Conflict

The Gaza war has not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but has also highlighted the pivotal role of Egyptian seaports in supporting Israel's logistical needs. A recent investigation by Arabi Post has uncovered that Egyptian ports have become essential supply points for Israel, serving as crucial transit stations for cargo and cement ships during the conflict. This revelation comes amid Israel's relentless military assault and blockade on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and pushed the territory to the brink of famine.

The Role of Egyptian Ports in the War Effort

The investigation, which tracked the activities of 19 ships over the past three months using open-source maritime data, sheds light on the significant role played by Egyptian ports. These ports, due to their proximity to Israel, particularly Ashdod and Haifa, have become key nodes in the transportation of goods to and from Israel. The strategic location of these ports allows for reduced shipping costs and quicker turnaround times, making them ideal for sustaining the flow of goods during the conflict.

The analysis focused on eight ports, including Ashdod and Haifa in Israel, and six in Egypt: Port Said, al-Arish, Abu Qir, Alexandria, Dekheila, and Damietta. These ports have been handling various types of ships, including container cargo ships, cement carriers, general cargo ships, and bulk carriers. The ships, which bear the flags of countries such as Panama, Liberia, Israel, Egypt, and others, are owned by companies based in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Singapore, Germany, and Cyprus.

Key Players in Maritime Logistics

The investigation highlighted the activities of 12 ships, which primarily operated between Egyptian and Israeli ports from June to August 2024. These ships, including seven container ships and five general cargo ships, were instrumental in maintaining the supply chain between the two countries. Among the most active were the Lucy Bochard, a cargo ship sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Egyptian ship Pan GG. These vessels made numerous trips between Egyptian and Israeli ports, underscoring their critical role in the logistics of the war.

The investigation also found that six ships dedicated to transporting cement were heavily involved in the operations between Egyptian and Israeli ports during the Gaza war. These ships, which had relatively limited activity in Egyptian ports prior to the conflict, saw a significant increase in their operations, focusing on routes that included the ports of Al-Arish, Abu Qir, and Alexandria in Egypt, and Haifa and Ashdod in Israel.

Economic Impact and Trade Dynamics

The conflict has led to a notable increase in trade between Egypt and Israel, with Egyptian ports playing a central role in this economic exchange. Official Israeli statistics reveal that Egypt's exports to Israel between October 2023 and July 2024 amounted to $170.1 million, an increase from $162.8 million during the same period in the previous two years. Additionally, Egypt's imports from Israel have surged, tripling to $331.6 million during the same period, compared to $106.8 million in 2022 and 2023.

July 2024 was particularly significant, as it recorded the highest value of Israeli exports to Egypt, totaling $30.6 million. The same month also saw the highest rate of Israeli imports to Egypt, amounting to $45.4 million. This dramatic increase in trade underscores the growing economic interdependence between the two nations, facilitated by the strategic use of Egyptian ports.

The Broader Implications

The transformation of Egyptian ports into key supply points for Israel during the Gaza war reflects the complex and often contradictory dynamics of the region. While Egypt has historically positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the current situation reveals a deeper level of economic cooperation with Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing war.

This development raises important questions about the role of regional actors in the conflict and the broader implications for peace and stability in the Middle East. As the Gaza war continues, the strategic importance of Egyptian ports is likely to grow, further entrenching the economic ties between Egypt and Israel and complicating the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.