Malaysia: Authorities ban Israeli vessels from accessing local ports as of Dec. 20

Malaysia has banned all Israeli-flagged vessels from docking at all domestic ports nationwide as of Dec. 20. The ban also targets vessels from the Israel-based ZIM cargo shipping company and any ships en route to Israel, prohibiting them from loading or unloading cargo at Malaysian ports. The order will be in effect until further notice and is reportedly in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Disruptions to maritime shipping may occur, though Malaysian authorities have stated that the ban would not affect the country's trade. Further diplomatic actions, as well as Israeli retaliatory countermeasures, are possible.