PRO-PALESTINE campaigners are staging a blockade at a defence company’s shipyard in Glasgow and are calling for an immediate ceasefire.
More than 100 demonstrators have blocked entrances to the BAE Systems site in Govan in a protest which started around 5am on Thursday.
They are calling for a halt to arms exports on Israel, an end to air strikes on Yemen, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
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The demonstrators in Glasgow, who are not affiliated to any particular group, claim that BAE Systems produces components for the F-35 combat aircraft used by Israel.
BAE Systems said it operates under the tightest regulation and complies “fully with all applicable defence export controls”.
At one of the gates to the site the activists, who are Glasgow residents, stood holding a banner that said “Stop Arming Israel” and chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
Stephen, a hospitality worker aged 27, who did not wish to give his surname, said: “We hold BAE’s management, not ordinary workers, responsible for fuelling and profiting from the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”
The UK and US have taken part in joint air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen following Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
The protest comes after the SNP announced they would force another vote on a ceasefire in Gaza, in what will be the first opportunity for MPs to vote on the matter since the party put forward a similar motion in November.
READ MORE: Ireland and Spain seek economic penalties if Israel breaching obligations
John, an electrician aged 24, who also did not wish to give his surname, said: “I’m here today because clearly we are being ignored in our calls for a ceasefire and because direct action works in forcing change.”
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 respect everyone’s right to protest peacefully.
“We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "We are aware of a number of protesters at BAE in Govan Road, Glasgow. Officers are in attendance."
The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
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