Amid escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip as Indian cargo ship, - the Marianne Danic - carrying 27 tons of explosive material from has been diverted to the port of Ashdod in Israel.
The ship's route has sparked controversy as it bypassed the Red Sea, where Yemen's Houthi rebels are active, opting instead for a longer journey through the Mediterranean Sea.
The cargo, which includes precision munitions and potentially dirty bombs, is purportedly destined for use in the ongoing conflict in Rafah, where millions of Palestinians are residing in open camps. This revelation has stirred outrage as India, a major importer of Israeli weapons, stands accused of contributing to what many term as a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
🚨🇮🇳 🇮🇱: Partners in Genocide
— Open Secrets (@OpenSecrets7Ave) June 1, 2024
1/4
🎯 Indian Cargo Ship (Marianne Danica - registered Denmark) with 27 Tons of Lethal Ammunition / Explosives 🧨 is on its way to Ashdod / Israel (from Chennai). Instead of shorter route via Red Sea, it took much longer route - Houthis! 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/LZSmfJP4J3
Earlier attempts to dock the Marianne Danica in Spain were rebuffed, with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares citing a policy against facilitating arms shipments to Israel. This move underscores Spain's stance on promoting peace in the Middle East rather than fueling conflicts through arms sales.
The nexus between India and Israel in the arms trade has come under scrutiny, with India reportedly importing billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Israel over the past decade. The collaboration between the two countries extends to joint ventures in drone manufacturing, with some of these lethal drones allegedly deployed by India in Israel's current offensive in Gaza.
The controversy surrounding the Marianne Danica's journey coincides with another maritime dispute involving the Borkum, which is also slated to dock in Spain. While some claim the Borkum is carrying arms destined for Israel, Spanish authorities assert that the cargo is intended for the Czech Republic, not Israel.
Spain's proactive stance against arms shipments to Israel aligns with its broader efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights and seek recognition for a Palestinian state. The country has halted arms sales to Israel in response to previous military actions in Gaza and continues to push for diplomatic solutions to the longstanding conflict.
