Greek Dock Workers Block Ammunition Shipment to Israel
In a significant act of protest, members of a Greek dock workers union halted the loading of an ammunition shipment bound for Israel at the port of Piraeus. This decision comes amid the ongoing Gaza war, which has drawn international attention and condemnation. The shipment, containing 21 tons of ammunition from northern Macedonia, was scheduled to be loaded onto a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel destined for Israel. The union's protest is a clear stance against Greece's involvement in the conflict, with members stating, "It is time to shout loudly that we will not allow the port of Piraeus to be a platform for war."
Union's Call for Peace and Solidarity with Palestine
The dock workers' union has been vocal in its opposition to the shipment, emphasizing the need for peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people. Demonstrators were seen holding torches and painting slogans on the truck, including messages such as "Get out of the port, you killers" and "Freedom for Palestine." Markos Pekris, head of the Eneideb union, highlighted that the transportation of war materials from Piraeus contributes to what he termed the "genocide of the Palestinian people," reinforcing the union's commitment to preventing such shipments in the future.
Background and Implications of the Protest
This protest is not an isolated incident; it follows a previous blockade in June when the union stopped the MSC Altair, a vessel carrying military materials bound for Israel. While Greece has publicly supported Israel's right to defend itself, it has also called for an immediate ceasefire, acknowledging the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The actions of the dock workers reflect a growing dissent against military support for Israel within Greece, as the country grapples with its role in the ongoing conflict.
