BDS Movement Thanks Antigua and Barbuda for Banning Military Shipments to Conflict Zones Under Its Flag

Antigua and Barbuda Issues Ban on Flagged Vessel Suspected of Carrying Arms to Israel

Antigua and Barbuda has taken decisive action to block the use of its flagged vessels in transporting weapons to conflict zones, following reports that the HC Opal is carrying military supplies bound for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Authorities issued a formal directive prohibiting any vessel registered under the country’s flag from carrying arms or military equipment destined for use in conflict, warning that violators risk detention, deflagging, and legal action. The measure was enacted after the HC Opal, reportedly transporting rocket parts, fuses, and explosives, came under scrutiny for its suspected role in supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Since the directive was announced, the HC Opal has switched off its AIS tracking system—an apparent breach of international maritime safety rules. Its last known position indicated movement toward Israeli ports.

The Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s stance. Mahmoud Nawaja’a, BDS general coordinator, called on the country to investigate and publish the full findings on the cargo and the companies involved. He urged legal action against the ship’s captain, its owner International Maritime Management, and operator Ocean 7 Project.

The ship is believed to be carrying at least 23 containers of explosive materials including TNT, rocket motors, and detonating fuses—components that BDS alleges are used in weapons targeting civilians in Gaza. Dr Shir Hever, Military Embargo Campaign Coordinator for BDS, said the shipment enables Israel’s domestic production of artillery and bombs, citing a growing global military embargo against the country.

Antigua and Barbuda’s move aligns with similar measures by countries such as Malaysia, Namibia, and Turkiye, and reflects a broader push by states in the Global South to halt arms transfers amid accusations of war crimes and genocide by Israel.

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