UK advocacy groups stand in solidarity with Palestine Action
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Palestine Action has been leading protests against Elbit Systems, a global defense technology company, for its involvement in arms shipments to "Israel".
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Palestine Action activists protest at an Elbit Systems facility on September 23, 2024 (X/Pal_action)
10 NGOs in the UK expressed their support on Tuesday for the Palestine Action group, which has been protesting against the arms shipments to "Israel" by targeting factories and offices of global defense technology company Elbit Systems.
In a joint statement, the NGOs, which include Black Lives Matter UK, Just Stop Oil, CAGE International, and Free Political Prisoners, acknowledged Palestine Action's efforts, stating that their actions have reportedly caused Elbit Systems financial losses amounting to tens of millions of British pounds over the past year.
They emphasized that "every action disrupting the supply chain of weapons used in the ongoing genocide in Gaza is morally justifiable and deserving of support. Direct action has never been more necessary."
The statement further highlighted that as the Israeli genocide against Palestinians has intensified, so too have Palestine Action’s protests, which have been met with "frequent attacks from the Zionist lobby."
The NGOs noted that documents have revealed how Elbit Systems and the Israeli government have pressured UK authorities—including the police, CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), the Attorney General’s office, and government ministers—to clamp down on the group, with demands even made to have it banned.
The statement also pointed out that Palestine Action currently has 16 political detainees in the UK, 11 of whom have yet to face trial, and that activists have been subjected to frequent dawn raids, police harassment, airport stops, and smear campaigns.
Despite these challenges, the NGOs praised Palestine Action's resilience, stating, "Palestine Action continues to risk their freedom for the liberation of Palestine; We stand in full solidarity with Palestine Action and urge all people of conscience to show their support."
Barclays liquidates shares in Israeli arms contractor Elbit Systems
Pro-Palestinian protests surged in the UK after "Israel" launched its war on Gaza, with activists conducting 54 demonstrations targeting Barclays branches across the country.
Last week, a British news report revealed that Barclays, one of the UK's largest banks, has divested from the Israeli arms contractor Elbit Systems amid growing international scrutiny over "Israel's" actions in Gaza.
The bank reportedly sold its entire holding of 16,345 shares in Elbit, valued at over $3.4 million, as indicated in recent US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.
This move follows months of protests and activist pressure against Barclays for its involvement with companies tied to genocidal operations in Gaza.
Success for pro-Palestine groups
Activist groups argued that Barclays' support for companies like Elbit, which produces military technology used in Gaza, effectively aligned it with violations of human rights.
Barclays' decision to end any financial relationship with firms linked to banned munitions, including cluster bombs, thus aligns with mounting global criticism of "Israel's" actions.
The Bank clarified in a statement it would "cease any relationship" with entities that "evidence" proved were producing internationally-banned cluster bombs.
On a related note, "Israel" has reportedly sold billions of dollars in bonds to manage an increasing budget deficit as it faces the prolonged costs of its operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
This economic strain has attracted the attention of rating agencies; Fitch Ratings, a US credit rating agency, downgraded "Israel's" credit outlook to negative, citing increased defense spending, infrastructure damage, and economic disruptions.
"In addition to human losses, could result in significant additional military spending, destruction of infrastructure and more sustained damage to economic activity and investment, leading to a further deterioration of Israel’s credit metrics," a statement issued by the agency read.
Read more: 'Israel' sold treasury bonds worth $3 billion since October 7
