BDS urges probe on alleged Israel arms shipments despite freight firm's denial

(Editor's note: This article has been amended to accurately reflect the statement from Ocean7 Projects ApS. The error is regretted.)

The Pro-Palestine group Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged transportation of explosives to Israel despite the freight company denying any involvement.

BDS Malaysia chairperson Mohd Nazari Ismail demanded that the government take immediate action against the freight company, which has a headquarters in Malaysia, if it is found to be involved in the shipment.

"It's shocking how this could happen. So, we're asking the police and the government to investigate.

"If it's true that they're responsible for managing these explosives, the government needs to take action against this company because this is against international law," Nazari (above) told the media in front of Sentul district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur after filing a report regarding the allegations today.

‘Take action’

Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin spokesperson Tian Chua also urged the police to investigate the matter and determine whether the company has any connection to the alleged shipment despite the denial.

"That's why we filed the police report and it's up to them to investigate whether there are any criminal elements involving this company," he said.

Chua suggested that the government take a range of actions, from issuing warnings to imposing fines, if the company fails to cancel the shipment and noted that these measures would be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

In a statement issued yesterday, BDS cited the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision in January 2024, in the case brought by South Africa, stipulating that Israel is plausibly perpetrating genocide.

It said that the ICJ, in the same decision, further orders provisional measures against Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza which means that a state can be held legally responsible when it fails to apply due diligence and implement all lawful means under its authority to prevent and stop genocide.

"Furthermore, legal experts state that a corporation or individual businessperson that knowingly assists a state in violating the customary international law principles, including the prohibition to commit genocide, may be complicit in such a violation," said BDS.

Ocean7 rejects allegations

Meanwhile, the Danish shipping company Ocean7 Projects ApS denied the accusations.

“This is to confirm that United-O7 Kuala Lumpur (its Asian chapter) has not had any involvement whatsoever in the mentioned shipment,” it said in a statement.

Ocean7 added that it was not the owner of the vessel, MV Kathrin and was solely acting as an agent for the European Union-based owner.

In terms of the vessel’s voyage, the company said MV Kathrin is currently on an international voyage from Asia to its final destination in the Adriatic Sea, making stops in Montenegro and Slovenia.

“And the vessel will not be calling any ports in Israel.”

Ocean 7 also emphasises that as an international shipping operator, they are committed to full compliance with all relevant international and EU laws, including all applicable sanctions and regulations.

“Before entering into any transport agreement, we always ensure that all necessary permits and documents are obtained from the relevant stakeholders and authorities,” it stressed.

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