Controversial Explosives Shipment Sparks Legal Battle

Human rights lawyers in Berlin have filed a court appeal to block a 150-ton shipment of explosives on German ship MV Kathrin, alleged to be destined for Israel's Elbit Systems. The explosives, primarily RDX, might be used in Gaza conflict, raising concerns of potential war crimes.

Human rights attorneys in Berlin have initiated a legal challenge to halt the transport of 150 metric tons of military-grade explosives on the MV Kathrin, a German cargo ship. This action, led by the European Legal Support Center (ELSC), was filed on behalf of three Palestinians from Gaza. They assert that the shipment, mainly comprising RDX explosives, could contribute to munitions used in the conflict in Gaza, potentially implicating parties in alleged war crimes.

While Israel stands accused of committing war crimes in Gaza, it denies these allegations, maintaining its military adheres to international humanitarian law. The German company Lubeca Marine, owner of MV Kathrin, clarified that the ship was not set to dock in Israel, having unloaded its cargo in Bar, Montenegro. Despite contractual confidentiality, Lubeca Marine assured compliance with international and EU regulations.

The involvement of Israeli Military Industries, part of Elbit Systems, Israel's top defense contractor, has not been confirmed by Elbit, which declined to comment. ELSC lawyer Ahmed Abed noted the appeal at Berlin's Administrative Court, focusing on the cargo's intended recipient. The ship encountered denied entry at various ports, including in Angola and Malta. German authorities stated the shipment did not need an export license, as the operations did not constitute an export from Germany.

(With inputs from agencies.)