In response to the ongoing conflict and rising Palestinian casualties in Gaza, Malaysia has implemented a ban on Israeli or Israel-bound ships from docking at its ports. The ban, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, includes vessels from the Israeli shipping company ZIM and any ships bearing Israel’s flag.
The immediate measures are a direct response to what Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim referred to as Israel’s actions disregarding humanitarian principles and violating international law through continued atrocities against Palestinians. In a statement, he emphasized that Malaysia’s sanctions aim to address these concerns.
Furthermore, the ban extends to ships heading to Israel, prohibiting them from loading cargo at Malaysian ports. Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that these restrictions are effective immediately.
The decision is particularly notable as ZIM, the Israeli shipping company affected by the ban, ranks as the 10th largest shipping container company globally. As per publicly available records from shipping intelligence provider Alphaliner, ZIM is based in Haifa, Israel, with a substantial global market share.
Malaysia, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv, has consistently voiced its support for Palestinian independence. The country has also prohibited its citizens from using their passports to enter Israel and has barred Israelis from entering Malaysian territory. The latest move underscores Malaysia’s solidarity with Palestine during the current crisis and aligns with the global wave of protests and actions advocating for the rights of Palestinians.
