Walvis Bay, Namibia – Namibian authorities have stopped a vessel suspected of transporting explosive materials to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The MV Kathrin, which was en route from Vietnam, was prevented from docking at Walvis Bay after officials suspected it was carrying military cargo destined for Israel’s war efforts against Hamas.
Namibia’s Justice Minister, Yvonne Dausab, confirmed that the ship was blocked due to the alleged explosives on board, citing the country’s support for Palestine as a key reason for the decision. The ship had requested to dock at Walvis Bay, Namibia’s largest commercial port, before heading toward the Mediterranean, but was denied entry.
Namport, the Namibian Ports Authority, reported that the ship had not submitted the required pre-clearance documents. The decision to block the MV Kathrin follows Namibia’s broader stance against being involved in what it considers Israeli war crimes and human rights violations in Palestine.
The Economic and Social Justice Trust (ESJT) praised the move, with representative Herbert Jauch stating that the government’s decision aligns with respecting international law and avoiding complicity in genocide.
