Suez Canal Authority responds to outrage as Israeli warship transits Suez Canal

Suez Canal Authority says 'all vessels, including military, can pass freely'

Listen to article

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has reiterated its commitment to upholding international agreements that ensure free navigation for all vessels passing through the canal, whether commercial or military, regardless of nationality.

In a statement issued late Friday, the SCA addressed questions circulating on social media regarding the passage of warships from various countries.

The authority confirmed that it adheres to international conventions that protect the right to free passage for all types of vessels without discrimination based on nationality, emphasizing that this practice is in line with the Constantinople Convention of 1888.

The SCA highlighted that the 1888 agreement laid the foundation for the canal's international role by preserving the right of all nations to access this global facility.

The convention explicitly states that the Suez Canal must remain "free and open at all times, both in peace and war, to every vessel of commerce or of war, without distinction of flag."

This came amid speculation on social media regarding the movement of military ships, which could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian military and the Ministry of Transport issued separate statements on Thursday and Friday, denying any cooperation with Israel.

In response to the backlash, the Egyptian government stated that international conventions allow for the free passage of all vessels through the canal.

Officials emphasised that such transit is a standard practice, regardless of the nationality of the ships involved.

The Suez Canal remains one of the world's most important maritime passages and a key source of foreign currency for Egypt. However, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently disclosed that geopolitical tensions in the region had cost Egypt approximately $6 billion in lost canal revenue.

Previously, a video showing an Israeli warship passing through the Suez Canal ignited widespread outrage online, with many accusing Egypt of permitting Israel’s military to transit the waterway.

Social media users expressed their anger, questioning Egypt's stance amid ongoing regional tensions.