From Quds News: Global shipping giant Maersk has temporarily stopped operations at Israeli-occupied Haifa port due to growing security threats tied to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
The Danish company made the announcement on Friday, citing safety concerns. “After careful analysis of threat risk reports, we have suspended operations at Haifa due to risks related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran,” Maersk said in a statement.
The company confirmed that it is staying in close contact with affected customers and is offering alternative transport options to reduce disruption.
Despite the suspension in Haifa, Maersk continues to operate at Ashdod Port and reports no other disruptions in the region so far.
Maersk’s decision follows weeks of escalating violence. On June 13, Israel launched unprovoked airstrikes on Iranian territory, hitting military facilities, hospitals, and residential areas. Over 639 people in Iran have been killed in the attacks.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli cities, including occupied Haifa and Tel Aviv. The strikes caused widespread damage and triggered international concerns about a broader regional war.
One of Iran’s missiles hit Israel’s largest oil refinery in occupied Haifa, operated by Bazan. The attack killed three workers and forced the facility to shut down. Shrapnel was also found at the Haifa port.
In response to these events, Maersk issued internal guidance earlier this week, advising staff to work remotely as a precaution.
Maersk has faced mounting pressure from anti-genocide and pro-Palestine activists to cut business ties with Israel. The company has been criticized for transporting weapons from the US to Israel during its genocide in Gaza.
So far, Maersk has resisted those demands. Activists accuse the company of playing a key role in the supply chain of death.
Since October 2023, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians. Most victims are women and children.
