Italy Blocks Indian Military Steel Shipments to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict
Italian dockworkers have halted shipments of military-grade steel from India destined for Israeli arms production, impacting the supply chain crucial for 155mm artillery shells. This action aligns with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement's efforts to enforce a military embargo on Israel.
Italian port authorities have detained three of four shipments of military-grade steel from India intended for use in artillery shells by IMI Systems, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems. Approximately 600 tonnes of steel, enough for 13,000 artillery shells, was intercepted during transit via 23 vessels operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
AI-curated by TheiaThis blockade is bolstered by trade unions such as Collettivo Autonomo Lavoratori Portuali (CALP) and Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), who have implemented a “Friday for Peace” initiative to refuse service to vessels associated with Israeli cargo. BDS Italy's national petition for stricter military cargo checks has garnered over 10,000 signatures. Violations of Italian law regarding military goods transport can lead to significant criminal penalties for shipping companies and executives.
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