The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has restated its commitment to maintaining international agreements that guarantee free navigation for all vessels, whether commercial or military, passing through the canal. The authority emphasized that this policy applies regardless of the vessels’ national origin, underscoring its adherence to the Constantinople Convention of 1888.
In a statement on Friday night, the SCA addressed questions that had surfaced on social media regarding military ships passing through the canal. Officials clarified that their commitment to the 1888 convention allows them to ensure free passage for all ships without discrimination, an essential principle of the canal’s operation.
Constantinople Convention
The Constantinople Convention established the Suez Canal as a neutral waterway, with access guaranteed to all nations during both peacetime and wartime. The convention mandates that the canal “must remain free and open at all times” for all vessels, regardless of whether they are commercial or military and without distinction of national flag.
SCA officials reiterated that Egypt upholds this principle, even in times of geopolitical strain. They explained that the canal’s role as a globally accessible maritime passage is essential to international commerce and stability.
Social Media Speculation on Military Movements
The SCA’s statement comes amid social media speculation about the movement of military ships through the canal. Some social media users shared unverified footage and questioned the presence of specific warships transiting the waterway, sparking public debate about Egypt’s neutrality. Egyptian authorities have not confirmed the veracity of the posts or the movements of military vessels.
Egyptian Government Addresses Backlash
In response to the online backlash, Egyptian military and transport officials issued separate statements on Thursday and Friday. They denied allegations of cooperation with any particular nation, including Israel, over canal transits. Officials explained that international agreements, including the 1888 convention, require the SCA to permit the transit of all vessels, regardless of nationality or purpose.
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The Canal’s Economic and Strategic Importance
The Suez Canal remains one of the most important maritime routes in the world, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and supporting a significant share of global trade. The canal generates crucial foreign currency revenue for Egypt. However, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently disclosed that regional geopolitical tensions have led to approximately $6 billion in lost revenue for Egypt’s canal operations.
Public Outrage Following Viral Video
The SCA’s statement also responds to a recent viral video allegedly showing an Israeli warship passing through the canal. The footage led to widespread criticism on social media, with some Egyptians voicing frustration over their government’s adherence to international rules. In light of the ongoing regional tensions, many questioned Egypt’s stance on allowing military vessels from all nations, including Israel, to navigate the canal.
Despite these concerns, the SCA continues to uphold the canal’s neutrality in accordance with longstanding international conventions. Officials stress that all vessels, including military ships from any country, retain the right to transit the canal as part of its mission to serve as a globally accessible waterway.
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