PALESTINE solidarity activists shut down a Glasgow weapons factory involved in production of drone aircraft for Israel yesterday morning.

They occupied the roof of the Thales UK factory in Govan and barricaded its doors while some joined themselves together with arm tubes.

Activists pledged to continue their occupation “for as long as possible” in response to Israel’s appalling recent bombardment of Gaza and “the UK economy’s ever-growing military industrial co-operation with governments that flout international law.”

Glasgow Palestine Action said in a statement: “Thales is being targeted today for their close relationship with Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military company and the world’s largest drone producer.”

As part of a £1 billion contract, the two manufacturers are teaming up to make the next generation of Watchkeeper drones, based on the Hermes 450, which was documented killing Palestinian civilians in Gaza in 2008-9.

The drones are marketed as “field tested” — which the occupiers said means they have proven effective at killing Palestinians.

Fifi O’Hara, one of the roof occupiers, said: “Drones are a key part of Israel’s military arsenal. By allowing this factory to export drone components and other arms to Israel, the UK government is providing direct support and approval to Israel’s massacres.”

Fellow occupier Latrice Royale added: “‘The UK government, by allowing Thales to operate with Elbit systems, has blood on its hands.

“Last year alone the UK government had 381 ex?port? arms licences to Israel, worth almost £8 billion.

“We demand that the Scottish government puts pressure on the UK government to end arms sales to Israel and takes active steps towards ending the production of weapons systems in Scotland that are connected to apartheid, colonialism and genocide. Another Scotland is possible.”

Israel’s seven-week assault on Gaza left more than 2,000 people dead, including hundreds of children.

Thousands of Palestinians were made homeless by the attack and water and power supplies were wrecked.

peterlazenby
@peoples-press.com