Public outcry in Piraeus against military shipments to Israel
A powerful message of resistance echoed through the port of Piraeus as dockworkers, trade unionists, students, and civil society organizations staged a large protest against ships allegedly transporting military materials to Israel, amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
According to efsyn.gr, from the early hours of the morning, demonstrators gathered at piers 2 and 3 to block the unloading of the vessel "Ever Golden," which is reportedly carrying military-grade steel from India to Haifa for Israel Military Industries (IMI). Protesters, waving banners and chanting slogans, accused the ship of contributing to what they call an “ongoing genocide” against the Palestinian people.
“No involvement of our country and port in the imperialist wars,” was one of the protest’s central slogans, along with “Your dockworkers sign it, they don’t stain their hands with the people’s blood.”
The mobilization was supported by a wide alliance of groups including BDS Greece, Alternative Lawyers’ Intervention, and the initiative No Harbor for Genocide. These organizations have submitted formal legal reports to the Piraeus Port Authority and local prosecutors, demanding the immediate blocking of the vessel's passage and any unloading or transshipment of cargo linked to military use.
According to protest organizers, the “Ever Golden” is not an isolated case. A second vessel, "Cosco Shipping Pisces," is expected to arrive on Wednesday evening and is also suspected of carrying military-use steel cargo.
Dockworkers employed by COSCO, the Chinese company operating the port, were present in large numbers, expressing their refusal to participate in any activity that could be linked to war operations. Protesters made it clear: “We will not be complicit.”
This latest mobilization adds to growing international pressure on governments and companies to halt arms shipments to conflict zones, especially in light of rising civilian casualties and human rights concerns in Gaza.
