Politics1 min read

Activists demand end to transfer of military materials to Israel through New York's JFK Airport

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The protest was organized under the Democratic Socialists of America's "Break the Chain" campaign alongside groups like Jewish Voice for Peace. Demonstrators cited open-source data linking cargo flown through the airport to strikes on medical sites, including southern Gaza's Nasser Medical Complex, and thousands of pounds of bunker-buster bomb components. Senator Brisport and a commercial airline pilot directly addressed the Port Authority board to demand the cancellation of these flights. In response, a Port Authority spokesperson stated the agency prioritizes safety but defers air cargo authorization to federal regulators and individual carriers.

Key points

  • Activists argue civilian airport infrastructure is being improperly used to supply weapon…: Activists argue civilian airport infrastructure is being improperly used to supply weapons utilized in deadly international strikes.
  • Port Authority safety regulations regarding the transfer of explosive materials were high…: Port Authority safety regulations regarding the transfer of explosive materials were highlighted by an airline pilot and a state lawmaker.
  • The Port Authority deferred regulatory authority over approved air cargo items to individ…: The Port Authority deferred regulatory authority over approved air cargo items to individual airlines and the federal government.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Activists, joined by New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, gathered outside the World Trade Center on Thursday, protesting against the transportation of military-related materials through JFK International Airport (JFK).

The protest, organised under the “Break the Chain” campaign led by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), comes amid reporting from The Intercept that Challenge Airlines cargo flights have transported materials including nitrocellulose, bomb casings and guidance kits from JFK to Israel.

Open-source data documented in the report reveals weapons flown out of JFK are tied to mass casualty attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

Challenge Airlines is an Israel-based cargo airline and logistics company founded in 1976.

The Intercept reported that thousands of pounds worth of parts for "bunker-buster" bombs went through JFK during the height of the US-Israeli war on Iran. The war began on 28 February.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Break the Chain says that military cargo bound for Israel passes through JFK Airport regularly, sometimes multiple times a…

Politics