Israel Arms Shipment Blocked: French Dockworkers Protest
- Dockworkers in Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, France, have refused to load a shipment of ammunition links onto a cargo vessel headed for Israel, according to the CGT trade union.
- Christophe Claret, a leader of the dock workers, stated that they identified the cargo, consisting of 19 pallets of links manufactured by Eurolinks, a Marseille-based company, and prevented...
- The CGT views this action as a clear rejection of participation in what they describe as a "genocide orchestrated by the Israeli government." Sophie Binet, CGT secretary general,...
French dockworkers made a bold move, blocking an ammunition shipment bound for Israel, sparking immediate debate. The primary_keyword action, supported by the CGT trade union, stems from fears the ammunition links, manufactured by a Marseille-based company, could be used against civilians in Gaza.This is a clear act of protest, refusing to participate in what is described as a “genocide.” Christophe Claret, a dockworkers’ leader, confirmed the refusal, which highlights intensifying scrutiny of arms shipments. This aligns with demands from the CGT and left-wing leaders for the French government to halt all arms deliveries. The secondary_keyword conflict between Israel and palestine continues to escalate.News Directory 3 reports on the story’s every angle. Discover what’s next in this evolving situation.
French Dockworkers Refuse to Load Ammunition Bound for Israel
Updated June 05, 2025
Dockworkers in Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, France, have refused to load a shipment of ammunition links onto a cargo vessel headed for Israel, according to the CGT trade union. These links, small metal pieces that connect machine gun bullets for rapid firing, have raised concerns about their potential use against civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Christophe Claret, a leader of the dock workers, stated that they identified the cargo, consisting of 19 pallets of links manufactured by Eurolinks, a Marseille-based company, and prevented its loading. Claret emphasized that once dockers refuse to handle a shipment, no one else can load it.
The CGT views this action as a clear rejection of participation in what they describe as a “genocide orchestrated by the Israeli government.” Sophie Binet, CGT secretary general, expressed pride in the dockworkers’ action, calling on the French government to promptly block all arms deliveries to Israel. The move has garnered support from left-wing leaders in France, including Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, who stated that ”Humanism is not for sale.”
We are very proud of this action led by our comrades and which is part of the CGT’s long internationalist tradition for peace. It is indeed unacceptable that CGT dockers should be the ones forced to uphold the fundamental principles of international law and French values. The government must immediately block all arms deliveries to the State of Israel.
According to Disclose, an investigative website, similar shipments between Fos-sur-Mer and Haifa, Israel, occurred on April 3 and May 22. At the time, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that the exported parts would be “re-exported” through Israel and not used by the Israeli army.
The current conflict began after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally.Of the 251 hostages taken, 55 remain in Gaza, with 32 presumed dead by the Israeli military. As then,Israel’s offensive in Gaza has reportedly killed 54,677 people,primarily civilians,according to the health ministry in the occupied Palestinian territory. The United Nations warned on May 30 that the entire population of Gaza, exceeding two million, faces the risk of famine.
What’s next
The incident highlights growing tensions and scrutiny surrounding arms shipments and the ongoing conflict. Further actions by labor unions and political entities could influence future arms deliveries and international relations.