PRO-PALESTINE activists raided two companies today that supply parts to Israeli-owned weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems in Britain.

Palestine Action said its volunteers had “dismantled machinery and equipment” after breaking into Manchester-based arms components manufacturer Dean Group International at Irlam early on Monday morning.

Another group of volunteers “jumped security fences, shattered windows and hardware” at components supplier Ametek Airtechnology at Subury on Thames in Surrey.

Palestine Action said police surrounded the Manchester factory while activists were inside.

Elbit Systems is the biggest supplier to Israel of weapons being used in attacks and genocide in Gaza, the direct action group said.

The Israeli military has killed over 38,295 Palestinians since October 7, most of whom are women and children.

Schools, hospitals, refugee camps, residential buildings and general infrastructure are frequently bombed during the ongoing Gaza genocide.

The group said Elbit had “ramped up production” to meet Israel’s demand for weapons for its attacks on Gaza.

It said: “Elbit Systems manufactures 85 per cent of Israel’s military drone fleet and land-based equipment, as well as missiles, ammunition and digital warfare.

“The Israeli arms company uses Gaza, recently confirmed by the International Court of Justice to be illegally occupied territory, as a laboratory to develop their ‘battle-tested’ weapons.”

A spokesperson added: “Without suppliers such as Dean Group International and Ametek, Elbit couldn’t make weaponry which is used to commit genocide.

“Whilst our government continues to facilitate Elbit’s crimes, Palestine Action will continue to use direct action to end the complicity and shut Elbit down.

“Every link in Israel’s military supply chain will be uncovered and dismantled,” they said.

Elbit Systems has four arms factories in Britain.

A fifth factory at Oldham in Greater Manchester was shut down permanently in February last year after a sustained campaign of occupations and damage by Palestine Action volunteers, coupled with protests and blockades of the factory by Palestine support groups from Manchester and peace campaigners from Oldham.

An Elbit office in London was also shut permanently after attacks by Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was formed three years ago. In addition to targeting Elbit Systems factories and offices its volunteers also target the company’s suppliers.