Approximately 40 demonstrators took part in the protest, blocking the railway line that connects the Eurogate and Burchardkai container terminals. By occupying the tracks for several hours, the group successfully halted freight transportation.
Jule Fink, a spokesperson for the activists’ group, stated that their participation in civil disobedience was an expression of solidarity with Palestine.
“It is clear that the Israeli regime has been committing war crimes in Palestine for a long time. This is genocide, and the German government is actively complicit. Germany continues exporting weapons to Israel through its ports. Why do the people of Hamburg allow their port to be used for arms shipments?” she said.
For safety reasons, the 15,000-volt power lines above the tracks were deactivated during the protest.
Germany authorized arms exports to Israel totaling 326.5 million euros ($363.5 million) last year, including military gear and weaponry. This marks a significant rise, roughly ten times the amount approved in 2022, as indicated by data from the Economy Ministry responsible for issuing export licenses.
Approvals have decreased this year, with just 14.5 million euros ($16.1 million) approved between January and August 21, as per data from the Economy Ministry in response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Of this, the weapons of war category represented just 32,449 euros ($36,016).
Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed more than 69,160 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. It has also displaced most of the population of 2.3 million, caused a hunger crisis and led to genocide.