Pro-Palestinian activists in Britain are ramping up efforts to disrupt the Israeli war machine as it continues its genocidal campaign against the Gaza Strip. According to reports from the British newspaper Morning Star, activists associated with Palestine Action, a UK-based protest network, have taken direct action by barricading the entrance to Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons firm, locking themselves together to block access.
Elbit Systems is a major supplier of drones, munitions, combat vehicles, missiles, and other weaponry to the Israeli military, with a significant portion of their arms being marketed as "battle-tested," indicating deployment in attacks against Palestinians. A spokesperson for Palestine Action emphasized the need for direct action to shut down Elbit Systems, citing previous ineffective methods such as marches, petitions, and lobbying.
In a symbolic act of protest against complicity in Palestinian bloodshed, activists also covered the Manchester offices of Bank of New York Mellon, which has invested over £10 million ($12.5 million) in Elbit Systems, with red paint.
The escalation of activism coincides with ongoing Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire targeting Gaza, particularly the southern city of Rafah. The United Nations has warned of Gaza being pushed into an abyss amid the relentless assault, with over 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge in the city amid the bombardments. Tel Aviv's threats of an all-out ground invasion have raised alarm among international humanitarian organizations, foreseeing a catastrophic outcome for the already besieged territory.
