Israel-Gaza: Union members block arms factory in protest over conflict

Hundreds of trade union members have blockaded a factory which manufactures weapons in protest over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Demonstrators blocked entrances to the BAE Systems site in Rochester, Kent, at about 07:00 GMT on Friday.

They claim the factory provides components for military aircraft being used to bomb Gaza.

A spokesperson for BAE said: "We respect everyone's right to protest peacefully."

The blockade was organised as part of an International Day of Action for Palestine.

Members are calling for "an end to the UK government's complicity in war crimes being committed in Palestine", which includes an end to arms sales to Israel and support for an immediate ceasefire.

The government has been approached for comment.

In a statement, activists said the UK industry - which includes the site being blockaded - "provides 15% of the components in the F35 stealth combat aircraft that are currently being used in the bombardment of Gaza".

One organiser said more than 400 trade unionists were involved in the action at the site.

They said the group included health workers, teachers, hospitality workers, academics, artists and more who are members of eight trade unions.

Alexandra, a teacher and member of the Nation Education Union, explained why she joined the blockade.

"As a teacher, seeing 185 schools and other educational institutions in Gaza bombed is utterly heart breaking."

She added: "We're here today to disrupt the Israeli war machine and take a stand against our government's complicity and we urge workers across the UK to take similar action in their workplaces and communities."

Harriet, an A&E doctor, said the blockade aimed to turn workers away and prevent deliveries getting in and out of the factory.

She said: "I'm here because I'm a person. I'm also here because I'm a medic and we've seen hundreds of medical staff in Gaza killed, some still under the rubble.

Jeanine Hourani, from the Palestinian Youth Movement and the University College Union, said the demonstration is part of a "global, transnational movement" that aims to end the arms trade to Israel.

She said: "We're here as British workers to say unequivocally that we do not accept the use of British labour in the war crimes that are currently being perpetrated in Palestine."

A BAE Systems' spokesperson said they were "horrified" by the situation in Israel and Gaza and the "devastating impact it's having on civilians".

"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."