Port workers’ union refuses to handle ships carrying military equipment to Israel

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The federation called on its members to no longer handle any ships which carry military equipment to Palestine or Israel. It also called for an “immediate ceasefire” to the war in Gaza.

The port workers federation said handling ships which carry military equipment to Israel “helps provide organisations with the ability to kill innocent people”. (File photo)

The Water Transport Workers Federation of India, which represents more than 3,500 workers at 11 major ports in the country, said they will not load or unload weaponised cargoes from Israel or any other nation which carry military equipment to be taken to Palestine. The federation also called on its members to no longer handle any ships which carry military equipment to Palestine or Israel.

In a statement released on February 14, the federation said they are part of labour unions and will “always stand against the war (in Gaza) and killing innocent people like women and children”.

Condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the group added, “Women and children have been blown to pieces in the war. Parents were unable to recognise their children killed in bombings which were exploding everywhere.”

Considering the loss caused by the war, the union members collectively decided to refuse the handling of all types of weaponised cargoes, said the federation.

“Loading and unloading these weapons helps provide organisations with the ability to kill innocent people,” it added.

It also called for an “immediate ceasefire” to the war in Gaza and added, “As responsible trade unions, we declare our solidarity with those who campaign for peace.”

The move by the port workers’ federation comes after similar action was seen in several other countries, including Australia, Spain and Belgium. Transport workers’ unions in these countries have called on their members to refuse to handle military equipment being sent to Israel.

In the US, pro-Palestine protestors have held demonstrations at ports trying to prevent ships carrying military equipment for Israel.

A total of 28,985 Palestinians have been killed and 68,883 others injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, said the Gaza health ministry on Sunday. Israel began its strikes in retaliation for Hamas’s surprise attack when 1,200 people were killed and 253 were taken as hostages.