Italy: Genoa dockworkers block Saudi ship carrying arms bound for “Israel”

GENOA, Aug. 10 (YPA) –  In a bold act of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, port workers in Genoa, Italy, blocked the passage of the Saudi cargo ship Bahri Yanbu after discovering it was carrying a shipment of weapons and ammunition reportedly destined for Israel, according to the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS).

The vessel, operated by the Saudi shipping company Bahri, had arrived at the Port of Genoa from the United States under the pretext of collecting military equipment. However, during routine inspection procedures, workers discovered that the ship was already loaded with military hardware and ammunition bound for Israel.

According to WSWS, approximately 40 port workers boarded to inspect and document the shipment, despite administrative efforts to hinder their access.

José Nivoi from the Autonomous Collective of Port Workers (Collettivo Autonomo dei Lavoratori Portuali, CALP) and the local union chapter of Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), made a strong statement, declaring: “We don’t work for war.” The action, led by base unions USB and CALP with support from major federations, prompted the Port Authority to pledge talks on creating a “permanent observatory on arms trafficking.”

The  Union leaders warned that handling such cargo makes workers complicit in war crimes and the Gaza genocide.

This is not the first time Genoa port workers have taken such action. They previously intercepted a similar arms shipment aboard the same vessel in 2019.

The action highlights growing international grassroots opposition to the transport of arms to conflict zones, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

@E.Y.M