According to a new report published by the Stop Fueling Genocide campaign and Progressive International, Turkey is accused of violating its self-imposed economic embargo on Israel by transporting crude oil from the Ceyhan Port in southern Turkey to Ashkelon, which is located in Israel. This revelation comes amidst growing criticism of Turkey’s role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Turkey announced in May that it would completely stop all imports and exports with Israel, citing the “worsening tragedy” as the reason for the decision. On the other hand, researchers from Stop Fuelling Genocide have produced data that suggests the Turkish government has failed to implement this embargo, which has allowed crude oil to be supplied to Israel, which is a significant provider of fuel for Israel’s military activities.
Tracking the Shipment
The report focuses on the crude oil tanker Seavigour, which reportedly departed Turkey’s Haydar Aliyev Terminal in Ceyhan on October 28. The tanker was transporting Azeri crude oil from the BTC pipeline. While traversing the East Mediterranean on October 30, the tanker deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS), a monitoring device, a practice that is frequently linked to the concealment of shipping routes to contentious locations.
Seavigour later confirmed that it docked at Israel’s EAPC terminal near Ashkelon before continuing its voyage to Sicily, Italy, using satellite images and maritime data. The tanker’s weight was reduced upon its arrival in Sicily, which is evidenced by the fact that it discharged crude oil during its unsignaled halt at Ashkelon.
Pattern of Trade Embargo Violations
The investigation asserts that this incident is not an isolated occurrence, citing preliminary evidence that identical shipments have occurred on numerous occasions since Turkey’s embargo announcement. The crude oil that is purportedly refined in Israel is utilized to power fighter aircraft, tanks, and drones that are stationed in Gaza and Lebanon.
Government Denials and Criticism
Turkey’s Energy Minister refuted the allegations on November 10, stating, “No oil deliveries to Israel have taken place since the embargo was implemented.” However, activists and researchers argue the evidence—maritime logs, satellite imagery, and tanker draught data—directly contradicts these claims.
The Stop Fuelling Genocide campaign warned that Turkey’s actions indirectly fuel military operations responsible for attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Activists have called on the international community to hold Ankara accountable for its role in facilitating Israel’s military supply chain.
Global and Domestic Fallout
This revelation places Turkey in a precarious position, undermining its declared support for Palestine and damaging its credibility among Arab and Muslim nations. Civil society groups have intensified calls for accountability, with protests planned worldwide to spotlight Turkey’s complicity.
As the situation develops, Turkey faces mounting pressure to align its trade practices with its stated policies and demonstrate genuine solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
