Welsh factory blockaded by protestors over involvement in Israel’s Gaza conflict
Protesters from the Cymru Peace Coalition staged a peaceful blockade at the BAE Systems Glascoed facility in Pontypool. This action was part of a global week of action for Palestine. The coalition accused BAE of being a major weapons supplier to Israel and called for an end to UK arms sales to Israel. However, BAE Systems clarified that it does not directly sell military equipment to the Israeli government.
The blockade lasted for several hours, with protesters displaying banners reading “stop arming genocide” and “UK weapons kill.” The group believes that companies like BAE Systems profit from weapons used in Israel’s conflict with Palestinians. The protest included activists from Cardiff Stop the War and Extinction Rebellion, among others. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the impact of weapon exports on conflicts worldwide.
Gwent Police attended the protest to ensure its peaceful nature, with no arrests reported. The Cymru Peace Coalition specifically targeted BAE Systems due to their contribution to manufacturing weapons used in conflicts, such as parts for fighter jets used in Gaza. BAE Systems expressed hope for a swift resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict and acknowledged the protesters’ right to peaceful demonstration.
Chief Superintendent Leanne Brustad of Gwent Police confirmed the police’s role in facilitating the protest, emphasizing the importance of allowing peaceful gatherings to take place. The coalition’s blockade was a symbolic gesture to highlight the connection between weapon production and conflicts like the one in Gaza. By targeting companies involved in the arms trade, the protesters aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian impact of such activities.
The Cymru Peace Coalition’s actions reflect a growing concern over the role of corporations in conflicts worldwide. The blockade at BAE Systems Glascoed facility underscores the call for greater accountability in the arms industry. As activists continue to raise awareness about the consequences of weapon exports, the pressure mounts on companies and governments to reassess their involvement in conflicts that result in civilian casualties.
The protest at BAE Systems in Pontypool is part of a larger movement advocating for peace and justice in regions affected by armed conflicts. By targeting companies like BAE Systems, activists seek to challenge the status quo and demand transparency in arms sales. The blockade serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements in holding corporations accountable for their role in perpetuating violence and conflict.