Egyptian activists call for scrutiny over arms shipment docked at Alexandria Port

Egyptian activists have called for the Egyptian government to investigate the MV Kathrin, a German-flagged vessel carrying military-grade explosives reportedly bound for Israel, which recently docked at Alexandria Port. Filed by a coalition of prominent voices, including human rights lawyer Mahienour El-Masri and journalist Rasha Azab, the complaint underscores activists’ concerns over Egypt’s role in facilitating military shipments amid regional tensions.

“We refuse for Egypt to become a gateway for military support to the Israeli occupation,” the group stated, expressing worries over regional security. They further highlighted potential implications under international law, stating that Egypt’s involvement in the shipment risks portraying it as complicit in ongoing conflicts, especially concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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The ship’s journey to Alexandria on October 28 followed several refusals at ports in Namibia, Malta, and Angola, as nations declined to permit a military cargo that reportedly includes over 150,000 kg of RDX explosives. These materials, used for producing weapons, are allegedly intended for Israeli Military Industries, according to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Egyptian authorities, however, have clarified their position on the issue. In an official statement, the Ministry of Transport and Industry confirmed that the MV Kathrin had approval to dock for the sole purpose of unloading materials designated for Egypt’s own military production, without any role in transporting supplies to Israel. The Ministry added that the ship has requested permission to continue to Turkey’s Port of Haidar Pasha.

The Egyptian government’s position was supported by an Egyptian army spokesman, who reiterated that Egypt does not engage in military cooperation with Israel. The Ministry of Transport’s statement emphasized, “The ship had officially requested permission to depart the port toward Turkey to continue its planned itinerary.”

Amnesty International, responding to the incident, called for stricter adherence to international humanitarian law, stressing the importance of preventing any indirect assistance that could support ongoing conflicts.