Local residents and activists are blockading the gates of arms manufacturer BAE Systems in Glasgow, Scotland.
They’re calling for “a halt in arms exports to Israel, an end to the bombing of Yemen, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
Around 100 people blocked multiple gates from 5am.
BAE Systems produces components for weapons used by Israel, including parts of the F-35 fighter jet which is being used to bomb to Gaza.
“We are not going to stand by while Israel continues to indiscriminately bomb innocent civilians using weapons manufactured by BAE, Thales and Leonardo. I’m here today because clearly, we are being ignored in our calls for a ceasefire and because direct action works in forcing change,” said John, a 24-year-old electrician among the group.
BAE’s Glasgow factory was shut down by a similar protest in December.
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A BAE Systems spokesperson said: “We’re horrified by the situation in Israel and Gaza and the devastating impact it’s having on civilians in the region and we hope it can be resolved as soon as possible.
We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment.”
On Monday, a Dutch court ordered the Netherlands to halt delivery of fighter jet parts to Israel, stating there was a “clear risk” that the parts are being used in “serious violations of international humanitarian law”.
