Gaza Herald – Port workers across 22 nations are preparing for coordinated strikes on Friday to protest the shipment of weapons. Organizers state the action targets trade in arms and the use of ports for military logistics. The movement aims to disrupt over 40 percent of shipping traffic in the Mediterranean Sea. This disruption could halt cargo valued at more than two billion dollars.
Initial calls for the strike came from unions in France, Greece, Spain’s Basque Country, Turkey, and Morocco. Support has since expanded to include more than 25 labor organizations. Italy’s General Confederation of Italian Labour reported that the scope now covers over 100 ports in 20 countries. Workers joined the initiative to reject maritime arms transport.
The planned actions target major hubs in Europe and beyond. Key locations include Hamburg, Valencia, Le Havre, Algeciras, Piraeus, and Genoa. International participation extends to Tanger Med in Morocco and Nhava Sheva in India. Unions involved include Germany’s ver.di, Ireland’s SIPTU, Denmark’s 3F, and France’s CGT Ports et Dockers.
Outside Europe, twelve Indian ports may see strikes supported by the All India Transport Workers Federation. The exact number of participating workers remains unclear. The Global Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced strategic measures in waters to support the strike. This group previously attempted to break the blockade on Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
The movement also received backing from seventeen Palestinian unions and federations. It is supported by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign. Organizers link maritime work sites directly to arms routes connected to the war on Gaza. This expansion reflects a shift in labor priorities toward opposing military supply chains.
The strikes occur amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. Reports indicate continued airstrikes, casualties, and destruction within the territory. These developments have intensified the humanitarian crisis. Labor leaders argue this context necessitates escalated protests against complicity in the conflict through port infrastructure.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
