Israel-Hamas Concerns Update

In general, Israel’s air cargo and marine gateways for trade are functioning under signs of strain as the country’s war continues.

As of now, backlog at Israeli Ports grow as the nation intensifies its shipping operations. Some ships destined for Ashdod are being diverted to Haifa Port in north.

What does it mean for You?

The 2023 Israel–Hamas war is an ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas. The responding Israeli counteroffensive was named Operation Iron Swords. The Israeli Federation of International Freight Forwarders and Customs Clearing Agents released the actual situation (please see attached) affecting export and import cargo movement on the fourth day of the war.

Customs and regulation authorities All customs field offices and regulation authorities are operating regularly.

Border crossings Today, October 11th, 2023, cargo operations at Allenby/King Hussein/al-Karama Bridge crossing is closed. Cargo operations at Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing: the cargo terminal will be open between 08:30 to 17:00 for all goods except cement in bulk as well as other bulk materials. Yitzhak Rabin/Arava Crossing between Israel and Jordan near Eilat is working. Crossings Administration of the Ministry of Defense serving cargo moving from Israel to the Palestinian Authority.

The following crossings will be open on 11th October 2023 for cargo moving from Israel to the Palestinian Authority only, but not for goods moving from the Palestinian Authority to Israel.

The following lists of goods are only allowed to pass through the crossings (west to east):

Airports Ben Gurion International airport (TLV) stays open as foreign airlines cancel flights, but the security situation and staff availability could affect flights.

Major international airlines suspend flights to Israel amid war on Gaza.

Israel’s civil aviation authority said airlines should “review current security and threat information” and had changed some air traffic routes. The authority noted that delays should be expected and advised airlines flying to Israel to carry extra fuel as precautionary measure.

Several airlines, such as Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Air India, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, Air Canada, Emirates, Air France, Dutch carrier KLM, Germany’s Lufthansa, Finland’s Finnair, Norwegian Air, Portugal’s TAP, and Polish carrier LOT, along with the Lufthansa Group (comprising SWISS, Brussels Airlines, and Austrian Airlines), either cancelled or reduced flights to Tel Aviv’s international airport, Ben Gurion Airport. Other countries like China and South Korea cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv.

Seaports The port of Ashdod is currently operating in “emergency mode” status. The port of Haifa which also include the Haifa Bay port and Israel shipyard port is operating as usual.

Following an announcement about “special situation in the hinterland” in the geographical area in which Ashdod Port is included, the Ministry of Transportation has directed the port to regulate the entry of vessels according to the hereby procedure:

Israeli companies involved along the international supply chain, have upgraded their activities in recent days in order to address the situation and have taken the necessary steps to enable local importers and exporters to fulfill their commercial undertakings.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have closed main roads near the border with the Gaza Strip. Officials have announced that schools will be closed in central and southern Israel on Oct. 11. Heightened security measures and disruptions to transport and business will almost certainly continue in central and southern areas of Israel over at least the short term. Heightened security is likely at all Israeli ports of entry over the coming days, and the status of border crossings, airports, seaports, roads, and rail services may change on short notice in response to conflict developments. Precautionary measures, such as evacuations, are possible in areas impacted by armed conflict.

What does it mean for You?

Crane Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as available.

Any more updates please visit Crane’s Trade Advisory Notices or reach out to Crane Global Trade Compliance: globaltradecompliance@craneww.com

Following the recent concerns between Israel and Hamas, Crane Worldwide would like to express our deepest sympathies and solidarity to the people and their families that are affected by this escalation of the conflict.

As of October 10th, Crane has been closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with various Authorities and other regulatory agencies to monitor our operation.

The majority of the Israeli Ocean ports / Airports are operational but are subject to the instructions from Home Front Command. Should the situation deteriorate, the operational hours may change. Below are the updates regarding Air and Ocean freight as of October 10th:

As of now, Israel ocean ports, like Haifa port, are operational, but Ashdod port is close.

What does it mean for You?

Crane Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as available via our Trade Advisory Notices.

You can reach out to Crane Worldwide's Global Trade Compliance with any questions: globaltradecompliance@craneww.com