The Maltese government has reportedly banned the entry of the merchant vessel MV Kathrin into its waters, after concerns were raised that the ship was carrying explosives destined for Israel.
A government spokesperson informed Times of Malta of the ban, stating that a request for the ship to stop in Malta for a crew change was denied, and it will not be allowed to refuel either.
The vessel, off the coast of Sicily, is believed to be transporting eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives, key materials used in bombs and missiles, according to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese.
Local activist group Moviment Graffitti warned that allowing the ship into Malta would make the government complicit in the ongoing “genocide” in Palestine.
The group referenced the Geneva Convention, arguing that granting access would violate international law.
Following the ban, the activist group released a statement saying:
‘We reiterate that Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister Chris Bonett should clearly and publicly state that no military provisions destined for Israel will be allowed passage, anchoring, docking or provisioning of any services in or by Maltese ports, airports, seas and airspace.’
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