PRO-PALESTINIANS have blocked Israeli ships the entrance to the Port of Melbourne for more than three days, attempting to interfere with cargo operations on a Zim containership.


AIS data shows that two unrelated containerships are moored alongside at the terminal, and the 5,500-TEU Zim Ganges is waiting at anchor in Melbourne's harbour, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

The protesters have attempted to physically prevent vehicles and port employees from entering the terminal complex. One video from the scene showed protesters shoving a man who tried to pass through the gate; others show scuffles with police.

"Most of our people didn't feel safe because the police were telling them they couldn't guarantee their safety," VICT container terminal CEO Bruno Porcheitto told state broadcaster ABC.

Countermeasures taken by police have had little impact so far, activists say. Officers used pepper spray and arrested one woman on an assault charge over the weekend, but the blockade continued.

"The action has completely blocked the port to send a strong message to the government that Melbournians are not happy with Zim ships being loaded," protest organizer Mohammed Helmy told Middle East Eye.

It is not the first time that Israeli ships have had an unfriendly welcome in Australia. Last year, protesters showed up multiple times to meet Israeli vessels in Melbourne, Sydney, and Fremantle, in the country's far southwest.


PRO-PALESTINIANS have blocked Israeli ships the entrance to the Port of Melbourne for more than three days, attempting to interfere with cargo operations on a Zim containership.

AIS data shows that two unrelated containerships are moored alongside at the terminal, and the 5,500-TEU Zim Ganges is waiting at anchor in Melbourne's harbour, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

The protesters have attempted to physically prevent vehicles and port employees from entering the terminal complex. One video from the scene showed protesters shoving a man who tried to pass through the gate; others show scuffles with police.

"Most of our people didn't feel safe because the police were telling them they couldn't guarantee their safety," VICT container terminal CEO Bruno Porcheitto told state broadcaster ABC.

Countermeasures taken by police have had little impact so far, activists say. Officers used pepper spray and arrested one woman on an assault charge over the weekend, but the blockade continued.

"The action has completely blocked the port to send a strong message to the government that Melbournians are not happy with Zim ships being loaded," protest organizer Mohammed Helmy told Middle East Eye.

It is not the first time that Israeli ships have had an unfriendly welcome in Australia. Last year, protesters showed up multiple times to meet Israeli vessels in Melbourne, Sydney, and Fremantle, in the country's far southwest.