Ship prevented from loading weapons in Piraeus, Greece

Workers at Piraeus Port prevented the loading of ammunition destined for Israel, condemning the political elite’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza

Workers at the Piraeus Port in Athens successfully blocked a shipment of ammunition bound for Israel in a late-night action on October 17. Following a call to action by the dockworkers’ union ENEDEP, port workers and activists mobilized to prevent a container of bullets, designated for the port of Haifa, from being loaded onto the ship Marla Bull, owned by Israeli company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services.

In addition to ENEDEP, the action was supported by several workers’ organizations, including the Labor Center of Piraeus and unions of metalworkers and the shipbuilding industry. The workers declared they would not be complicit in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza by allowing the container to sail, as its cargo would be used to kill more Palestinians.

As a result of the action, the Marla Bull was forced to leave the port without the shipment. According to local Palestine solidarity groups, the container remains near the port, guarded by workers and awaiting more investigation by port authorities.

During the action, workers demanded “disengagement from the imperialist plans and their consequences that turn our country and Piraeus Port into a target for retaliation.” They added that Piraeus should not serve as a “base of war.”

“In a port where we fight daily for better living and working conditions for ourselves and our children, there is no place for the butchers of the people,” ENEDEP asserted.

A delegate from the General Union of Palestinian Workers, Mohamed Iqnaibi, commended the workers for their solidarity, stating that Palestinian workers continue to draw strength and courage from their struggles. Similarly, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) praised the action, stating that the working class has shown its strength and is standing on the right side of history.

The party emphasized that the workers’ resistance sends a message of solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon, opposing “the ‘strategic allies’ of the bourgeoisie who support the murderous state of Israel and other Euro-Atlantic butchers of the people.”

In June of this year, workers at Piraeus Port already refused to handle cargo from the ship MSC Altair over concerns that it would be used in Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip. Their determination and resistance are a testament to the working class’ commitment to solidarity and peace, in contrast to the political elites’ complicity in Israel’s crimes.

While the Marla Bull’s cargo was successfully blocked, questions remain about what will follow. According to some reports, workers involved in the action could face legal persecution. However, ENEDEP remains resolute in its support for the liberation of Palestine and the Palestinian people.