The ship 'Kathrin', which is transporting explosive materials to Israel and other countries, has requested the removal of its Portuguese flag, a decision deemed 'irreversible' by the Portuguese government.

This German-owned vessel, registered in Madeira, is reportedly carrying explosives to arms manufacturers in Israel, Poland, and Slovakia.

UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, has urged the Portuguese government to swiftly remove the ship's flag, citing international law obligations regarding arms transfers in conflict situations.

In response to the situation, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro acknowledged that the government is reviewing the legal possibility of removing the ship's Portuguese flag.

The PS party has questioned the Portuguese government about the potential removal of the Portuguese flag from the 'Kathrin', highlighting concerns over its cargo destined for Israel.

Albanese emphasized that all states have obligations to respect the Genocide Convention and to prevent the transfer of arms to parties involved in armed conflict, particularly in light of the situation in Gaza.

The Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that while the vessel does not carry arms or ammunition, it is transporting explosives, raising further concerns.

The process for changing the ship's flag is expected to take two to three days, during which the ship cannot dock at any port and must remain offshore.

The Left Bloc has also urged the Public Ministry to monitor the situation to prevent Portugal from being accused internationally of complicity in genocide.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel is scheduled to testify in October before the parliamentary committee on Foreign Affairs regarding this issue, following a request from the Left Bloc.

The PS emphasized the international obligations regarding arms transfers to conflict parties, stating that the situation draws global attention to Portugal and its government.

Concerns are growing over what measures the government will take to ensure that Portuguese-flagged ships do not transport weapons and military equipment to Israel.