Portugal is under pressure to remove its national flag from a ship carrying explosives bound for Israel, sparking controversy as the vessel approaches Montenegro. The German-owned MV Katherine is set to deliver cargo to an arms manufacturer supplying weapons to Israel amid international criticism of the country’s actions in Gaza.
Despite Portugal’s previous pledge of extra financial support to the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, concerns over the arms shipment have heightened calls for the flag to be withdrawn from the MV Katherine. With over 41,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, the issue has become a focal point for human rights advocates.
UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine Francesca Albanese has urged Portugal to take immediate action, emphasizing the need to uphold international standards and respect the Geneva Convention. As pressure mounts, a petition with 3,000 signatures has been delivered to the Council of Ministers in Portugal, demanding the flag’s removal from the controversial ship.
With a hearing scheduled for October 15th, the outcome of Portugal’s decision could have far-reaching implications for the country’s stance on human rights and arms exports to conflict zones like Gaza.
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