Genoa Port Workers Block Passage Of Saudi Ship Carrying Weapons For Israel

Workers on the Italian Port of Genoa refused to load weapons on a Saudi ship destined for Israel, in defiance of Italy’s complicity in Israel’s war against Gaza.

The Saudi Ship ‘Bahri Yanbu’ arrived from Baltimore, Maryland, the U.S and was to take military equipment manufactured by the Italian Arms Conglomerate Leonardo.

It included an Oto Melara cannon destined for Abu Dhabi, tanks and other heavy weaponry staged in the terminal yard.

The workers prevented the loading of the cannon and, through inspections at dawn, exposed the ship’s cargo comprising weapons, explosives, armoured vehicles, tanks, ammunition, etc.

Despite efforts to prevent the loading operation, 40 workers boarded the ship to document the shipment.

These measures forced the Port Authority to enter damage-control mode, and it promised to discuss the establishment of a permanent observatory on arms trafficking in September.

Dockworkers said that they do not work for war.

This recent blockade follows a major incident from July when dockworkers in Genoa prevented the unloading of military cargo for Israel after receiving information from Greek Unions.

In October last year, dockworkers at the Greek Port of Piraeus stopped the loading of 21 tons of ammunition onto the ZIM-chartered ship Marla Bull bound for Ashdod Port in Palestine.

These refusals are in response to a call from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), issued in mid-October 2023.

It urged workers across the world to refuse to be a part of Israel’s arms supply chain, block transportation, and put pressure on governments and complicit companies.

Source: Maritime Shipping News