Amnesty International on Dec. 18 urged all states to prevent the Portuguese-flagged Holger G vessel, carrying munition components bound for Israel, from docking at their ports, hindering the supply of arms to Israel. Having departed from India on Nov. 16, the cargo is destined for Israel's biggest arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems, and its subsidiary IMI Systems.

Erika Guevara Rosas, senior director for research and campaigns at Amnesty International, said: "The hundreds of tonnes of deadly cargo on board the Holger G must not reach Israel. There is a clear risk that this colossal transportation would contribute to the commission of genocide and other crimes under international law against Palestinians."

Amnesty emphasized states' obligations under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions and Article 6 of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to prevent the transfer of arms to Israeli defense companies. In particular, the group said that states have failed to comply with their obligations to "prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," as outlined in the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of July 2024.

Amnesty also urged Portugal, which is a party to the ATT, to prevent the cargo from reaching Israel, emphasizing: "Under international law, states have an obligation to refuse authorization for the transit of arms to Israel and to ensure they do not facilitate the continuation of any such cargo." 

Additionally, the group warned that corporate actors have similar responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which require them to refrain from contributing to violations of international law throughout their value chains.

Amnesty further warned that Reederei Gerdes, the German shipping company that owns the vessel, is "at serious risk" of being complicit in war crimes. Elbit Systems, however, defended the company's conduct as supplying to "a sovereign, unsanctioned government, recognized by the international community," and that "there is no legal basis for restricting our sales."

It was first reported by Irish independent media outlet The Ditch that the Holger G is bound for Israel carrying 440 tonnes of mortar bomb parts, projectiles, and military-grade steel to be supplied to the Israeli military. According to an online vessel tracker, the vessel is currently en route to Egypt, having travelled through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Amnesty's statement follows the confirmation of jurisdiction by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court to investigate charges of war crimes in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas-led attack on Israel of October 7, 2023. Last month, Amnesty also expressed concern over Germany's decision to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel, as it conflicted with the country’s international obligations.

From JURIST, Dec. 21. Used with permission. Internal links added.

See our last reports on Elbit Systems, growng pressure for an arms embargo on Israel, and the genocide accusations.