Israel’s war in Gaza is even more in the international spotlight. Human rights lawyers have filed an urgent appeal with Berlin’s Administrative Court, seeking to block a 150-ton shipment of military-grade explosives aboard the 8000 ton German multipurpose cargo ship MV Kathrin, bound for the Jewish state.
With Israel’s war in Gaza showing no sign of ending, the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) said on Wednesday, its action was filed on behalf of three Palestinians from Gaza.
The argument was that the shipment of primarily RDX explosives could be used in munitions for Israel’s military operations in Gaza, potentially contributing to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The ship is currently docked at the Albanian port of Durres on the Adriatic Sea. Reports said it was not clear if the vessel was unloading or refuelling. Journalists who tried to photograph the vessel were stopped from doing so by police. Durres is a port owned by the Albanian government.
Amnesty International said Albania risks violating international law if it has allowed the ship into its waters or seen as helping Israel in its war.
“International humanitarian law prohibits all states from transferring arms to a party to an armed conflict,” said the human rights group’s researcher on military, security and police, Patrick Wicken.
There’s been no comment from the Albanian government so far.
Malta had earlier refused to allow the vessel to enter. The Kathrin reportedly wanted to change its crew.
The Kathrin is listed as Portuguese flagged but data shows it is registered in Germany. Reports said the Portuguese government had considered withdrawing the ship’s flag.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Franceska Albanese, has been urging countries not to allow the Kathrin to unload its cargo.
In August, Namibian authorities blocked the vessel, which departed from Vietnam’s Hai Phong port, from entering its main harbor, Amnesty International reported.
According to the ELSC, the RDX is intended for Israeli Military Industries, a division of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense contractor. Elbit Systems was not immediately available for comment.
With Reuters inputs
