Dockworkers in 22 countries have launched a global action involving 113 ports to protest the genocide in Gaza and arms shipments to the occupation regime, with trade unions organising strikes and demonstrations of varying durations.

The initiative was launched by port workers' unions in France, Greece, Spain's Basque region, Türkiye and Morocco in response to the ongoing attacks on Gaza and the use of ports for weapons shipments to the occupation regime.

More than 25 trade unions have supported the international action, which aims to oppose the use of ports for transporting weapons.

Major European ports join the action

Italy's Basic Union Federation (USB) announced that the action had expanded to more than 100 ports across 20 countries.

The protests and work stoppages are being held at major ports in Europe, including Hamburg, Valencia, Le Havre, Algeciras, Piraeus and Genoa, as well as at Tangier Med Port in Morocco and Nhava Sheva Port in India.

Trade unions supporting the action include Germany's Ver.di, Ireland's largest unions including SIPTU, Denmark's 3F, and France's CGT Ports et Docks.

Organisers said the action could disrupt more than 40 per cent of maritime transport in the Mediterranean and affect shipments worth more than $2 billion.

Support expands beyond Europe

The participation is also expected to grow outside Europe. In India, strikes are planned at 12 ports, with the Indian Water Transport Workers Federation supporting the initiative.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which has previously organised maritime efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the occupation regime's blockade, also announced its support for the strike.

The flotilla said it would take coordinated and strategic steps at sea in support of the action.

The international initiative has also received backing from 17 Palestinian trade unions and workers' organisations, as well as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.(ILKHA)