Sun Sep 15 09:48:14 UTC 2024: ## BDS Campaign Targets Cargo Ship, Accusing it of Carrying Explosives for Israeli Military
**JERUSALEM** – The BDS National Committee (BNC) has launched a new campaign, dubbed “Block the Boat,” targeting the Merchant Vessel Kathrin, a Portuguese-flagged ship accused of carrying explosives destined for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The campaign, which follows a similar one in May against another cargo ship, seeks to utilize international shipping routes and coordinate efforts by anti-Israel activists across various countries.
The BNC claims a first success, alleging that Namibian and Angolan authorities refused to allow the Kathrin to dock in their ports. The campaign has also seen involvement from organizations in Portugal, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Malaysia, who are urging their respective governments to block the vessel from docking or to search it upon arrival.
Adding fuel to the fire, UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has joined calls for European governments to enforce an arms embargo on Israel, warning that any collaboration with the Kathrin may constitute a breach of the genocide convention and other UN resolutions.
While the BNC touts the campaign as a major success, its actual impact remains unclear. The campaign has garnered significant media attention, but its effectiveness in halting the ship’s journey remains questionable.
Critics point to the BNC’s history of launching similar campaigns, often with allegations backed by questionable evidence and dubious sources. The organization is comprised of 28 Palestinian groups, including Hamas, the Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), all designated as terrorist organizations by numerous countries.
The Israeli government, through the Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Ministry, has acknowledged the campaign and assured the public that relevant authorities are handling the situation.
Despite the campaign’s high profile, its ultimate impact on the Kathrin’s voyage and the overall arms embargo remains to be seen. This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Israel and its international relationships, particularly on the issue of arms sales and military support.
First Piper 