NAMIBIAN authorities blocked a military cargo ship from docking on Tuesday because it suspected the vessel was intended for use by Israel in its ongoing war on the Palestinians in Gaza.

The southern African country’s Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab told state media that the vessel was blocked because it contained “explosive material destined for Israel.”

The MV Kathrin had asked for permission to dock in the port of Walvis Bay en route to sailing north on a suspected route through the Strait of Gibraltar towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Rights groups had warned Namibian authorities that they could become complicit in potential human rights violations if it had been allowed to dock.

Namibian human rights group the Economic and Social Justice Trust welcomed the move by the government.

The ESJT’s Herbert Jauch told the BBC: “We are pleased that our government has decided to respect international law and decided not to be complicit to genocide.”

Namibian authorities said another vessel had recently been allowed to pass through its waters whilst carrying “dangerous cargo,” but not to dock.

Last December the South African government launched a case at the International Court of Justice calling out Israel for alleged genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel denies the allegation of genocide.