German Lawyers Demand Court Order Denying Military Explosives Shipment to Israel

German human rights attorneys have started legal actions meant to stop a shipment of military-grade explosives on the German cargo ship MV Kathrin, allegedly headed for Israel's biggest weapons contractor. Arguing that the cargo, which includes a lot of RDX explosives, could be used to produce weapons that support ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) filed the appeal in Berlin on behalf of three Palestinians from Gaza.

The lawyers argue that the cargo might enable claimed crimes against humanity and war crimes in the area. They underline that the Israeli military could use the strong military-grade substance known as RDX explosives in weapons during its operations against Palestinian militants.

Lubeca Marine, the German firm running the MV Kathrin, said in response to the accusations that the ship was never meant to anchor in Israel. For contractual considerations, the corporation clarified that it had lately offloaded its goods, originally meant for Bar, Montenegro, and did not reveal where this offloading took place. "We comply fully with all international and EU regulations," a Lubeca Marine spokesman said, noting that all required licenses had been obtained for their operations.

"We never claimed that the Kathrin was bound for Israel; it's the cargo that is intended for Elbit Systems," Ahmed Abed, the ELSC attorney noted. One of Israel's main defense companies, Elbit Systems, has not yet said anything about this.

Data tracking from LSEG and the vessel-tracking site Marine Traffic revealed that on October 28, 2024 the MV Kathrin anchored at the Mediterranean port of Alexandria, Egypt. After emptying military gear, the ship is apparently set to leave Alexandria on November 5.

Human rights activists and foreign observers continue to be worried about the shipment's possible influence on the situation in Gaza as the judicial procedures develop. The story emphasizes the complexity of military supply lines and its role in sustaining current bloodshed in conflict areas.

German Lawyers Demand Court Order Denying Military Explosives Shipment to Israel

German human rights attorneys have started legal actions meant to stop a shipment of military-grade explosives on the German cargo ship MV Kathrin, allegedly headed for Israel's biggest weapons contractor. Arguing that the cargo, which includes a lot of RDX explosives, could be used to produce weapons that support ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) filed the appeal in Berlin on behalf of three Palestinians from Gaza.

The lawyers argue that the cargo might enable claimed crimes against humanity and war crimes in the area. They underline that the Israeli military could use the strong military-grade substance known as RDX explosives in weapons during its operations against Palestinian militants.

Lubeca Marine, the German firm running the MV Kathrin, said in response to the accusations that the ship was never meant to anchor in Israel. For contractual considerations, the corporation clarified that it had lately offloaded its goods, originally meant for Bar, Montenegro, and did not reveal where this offloading took place. "We comply fully with all international and EU regulations," a Lubeca Marine spokesman said, noting that all required licenses had been obtained for their operations.

"We never claimed that the Kathrin was bound for Israel; it's the cargo that is intended for Elbit Systems," Ahmed Abed, the ELSC attorney noted. One of Israel's main defense companies, Elbit Systems, has not yet said anything about this.

Data tracking from LSEG and the vessel-tracking site Marine Traffic revealed that on October 28, 2024 the MV Kathrin anchored at the Mediterranean port of Alexandria, Egypt. After emptying military gear, the ship is apparently set to leave Alexandria on November 5.

Human rights activists and foreign observers continue to be worried about the shipment's possible influence on the situation in Gaza as the judicial procedures develop. The story emphasizes the complexity of military supply lines and its part in sustaining current violence in conflict areas.