Dozens of protesters have reportedly 'shut down' a Bristol company during an early-morning demonstration. Campaigners from Palestine Action have targeted the Elbit headquarters.
The company describes itself as a 'defence, technology and aerospace company working on a range of technologies for both military and civilian applications', and several of its UK sites have been targeted by protesters. According to Companies House, Elbit Systems UK is part of Israel-based company Elbit Systems Ltd. The firm, which makes drones and other military equipment, has contracts with the Israeli Military of Defence (IMOD).
A Palestine Action spokesperson has said: "Disrupting Israel's military supply chain through direct action and community mobilisation is a crucial and necessary tactic to deploy as our Palestinian siblings are under fire by Elbit's weaponry. We do not stand for genocide enablers on our doorstep, and we've once again made it clear that Elbit is not welcome in Bristol or anywhere on British soil."
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Elbit defends its 'critical support for the British armed forces'
A spokesperson for Elbit Systems UK said:
We are proud to provide critical support for the British armed forces and attempting to disrupt this work is completely irresponsible.
We take the welfare of our employees seriously. As well as taking our own security measures, we work with the police and authorities to take action against any person or group who sets out to cause them harm or interfere with their important work."
Belgium's Government joins South Africa in taking action against Israel
Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Petra De Sutter said:
Belgium cannot stand by and watch the immense human suffering in Gaza. We must act against the threat of genocide"
Palestine-Israel conflict
The latest data from the Ministry of Health in Gaza shows more than 10,000 of Gaza's 1.1 million children - or 1% of the total child population – have been killed since an attack on Israel on 7 October
At least 24,448 people killed and 61,504 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The revised death toll in Israel from the October 7 Hamas attack stands at 1,139 people.
Water and food supplies have also been cut off from Gaza.
Police statement
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said:
Police are at the scene of a protest affecting access to business premises in Aztec West.
Officers were called just after 7am today, Thursday 18 January, and are attempting to engage with around 60 protestors.”
