Panama reaffirms ‘neutrality’ of canal amid Middle East war
Panama has reaffirmed the neutrality of its canal amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The statement comes as the Strait of Hormuz faces a blockade, leading to increased maritime traffic through the Panama Canal. Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha emphasized the canal's importance for global trade during discussions with his Israeli counterpart.
- ▪Panama reaffirmed the neutrality of its canal on April 28, 2026.
- ▪The Strait of Hormuz is currently blocked, affecting global oil and gas exports.
- ▪Traffic through the Panama Canal has surged from 34 ships a day in January to 50 ships daily now.
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Panama reaffirms ‘neutrality’ of canal amid Middle East warSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxShips transit the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama, on April 28. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha reasserted the canal’s neutrality.PHOTO: EPAPublished Apr 29, 2026, 03:26 PMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 03:26 PMListenPANAMA CITY – Panama reaffirmed on April 28 the “neutrality” of its canal and the “need to preserve” maritime transit routes amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East war.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.