Big victory: arms flows to Israel via ZIM have come to a halt, thanks to you!
Apr 04 2025
2 minutes
Tons of ammunition, illegally shipped via the port of Antwerp. Destination: Israel. Despite the genocide in Gaza and a clear obligation under international law, the Israeli shipping company ZIM was able to ship weapons via Belgium without any problems until recently. Without a permit, and therefore completely illegal.
But now that transit has come to a standstill. And that is no coincidence. It is the result of citizen protest, legal action and pressure from below.
What exactly happened?
In 2023, the Israeli shipping company ZIM transported tons of ammunition from the port of Antwerp to Israel without a permit. However, the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty obliges Belgium to monitor and stop this transit if there is a risk of violations of international law. And that risk is clearly there.
Gaza is today the scene of a genocide, an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. Since October 7, 2023, more than 50.000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 14.000 children. Aid workers, hospitals, and people queuing for bread and water are not safe from the bombardments. And yet weapons and ammunition continue to flow into Israel – through ports, airports, and with the complicity of governments and corporations.
Together we went to court
We – together with thousands of citizens – did not want to let that happen. Last year we filed a complaint against ZIM, together with nine other Belgian NGOs: Association Belgo-Palestinienne (ABP), Al-Haq Europe, Broederlijk Delen, Palestina Solidariteit, De-Colonizer, Intal, Oxfam Belgium, Vrede VZW & Vredesactie. In addition, we launched a petition that was signed by more than 12.000 people in no time. And all of that has borne fruit. Because research by Vredesactie shows that since the complaint was filed, the arms trade via Antwerp has stopped.
Activism works – but the violence won't stop on its own
This important victory proves that resistance works. That citizens, NGOs and committed citizens can make a difference. But this is not the end point.
Weapons continue to reach Israel via other routes. The Belgian government continues to watch. And in Gaza the bombs continue to fall: children are pulled from the rubble, schools are bombed, aid workers are dug up from mass graves.
That is why we continue our fight tirelessly. Together with Palestinian, Israeli and Belgian partners, we continue to apply pressure – legally, politically and publicly.
Your support remains crucial
Our fight is not over. Weapons are still being delivered via other routes. The Belgian government is still failing. The weapons in Gaza are still not silent.
Make a donation today and help us end the violence – forever. Thank you!
