Berlin Court Hears Appeal Against MV Kathrin Shipment

Human rights attorneys in Berlin have filed an urgent appeal to block the MV Kathrin, a German cargo ship, from delivering 150 metric tons of military-grade RDX explosives to Israel, arguing that the shipment could contribute to war crimes in Gaza. The legal action, spearheaded by the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) on behalf of three Palestinians, claims that the explosives are intended for Israeli Military Industries, part of Elbit Systems, Israel's largest defense contractor. The ship has faced significant challenges, being denied entry at various ports, including in Namibia and Portugal, before being allowed to sail under a German flag. The UN and Amnesty International have also called for the shipment to be halted, citing obligations under the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law. Germany's economy ministry and the ship's owner, Lubeca Marine, have yet to comment on the matter. The ongoing legal battle highlights the intersection of international law, military shipping, and geopolitical tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict.