PRO-PALESTINE campaigners have shut down a factory in Edinburgh which produces components used by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza.
Protesters said Leonardo UK makes components for F-35 fighter jets, which are used by Israel.
More than 100 local residents and workers from across the country blockaded the entrance to the factory early on Wednesday morning.
They are calling for the company to cut any links with Israel.
Charity project manager Rebecca, 38, is among the protesters and said: “I’m so deeply upset and angry at the slaughter and degradation of people in Gaza, Palestine more widely, in Lebanon.
“This is not simply a ‘humanitarian disaster’ – it’s a deliberate action by Israel to eliminate all human life.
“Here in Scotland, we campaigned for free period products, but in Gaza, Israel’s blockade means essential items are absent – not just period products but medicine, shampoo or soap.”
Protesters have also said UK ministers could be complicit in war crimes by continuing to supply weapons to Israel.
Leonardo produces laser targeting systems for Lockheed Martin, which sells the F-35 jets to Israel.
Earlier this autumn, the UK Government suspended around 30 arms export licenses to Israel out of a total of approximately 350 licences because of concerns they could be used in violations of international humanitarian law.
However, an exemption was made for some licences related to components of F-35 fighter jets.
Another protester, 29-year-old bar worker Patrick, said: “I’m here today because it’s our obligation under international law to do what we can to ensure our communities are not complicit in genocide.
“I know people will say they’re just doing their jobs, but we’re past ‘following orders’ being an acceptable excuse.
“I’m not against any of the workers here – they’re not the ones deciding what gets made in the factory.
“It’s their bosses making those decisions and making a killing. I’m here to remind these workers that they can say no to that, to take a stance, and together pressure the decision-makers who choose to profit from Palestinian blood.”
Alex, a 20-year-old college student and waiter, said: "Last month was the anniversary of October 7 2023, and I still can't believe the inhumane violence and destruction we have seen, some people still seem to believe this is about getting back hostages.
"This didn't start a year ago - it is an intensification of occupation and ethnic cleansing that have been ongoing for more than 70 years.
"My family from South Africa all said they recognise apartheid when we see it. South Africa presented a case outlining Israel's genocidal intent at the International Court of Justice nearly a year ago now.
"And despite all of this, most first world countries would rather profit from and be complicit in genocide than admit what's happening. It's up to us to witness against this barbarity."
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "We were aware of a protest ongoing at Crewe Road North in Edinburgh today, Wednesday, November 20 20224.
"Officers are in attendance and are engaging with protesters."
A spokesperson for Leonardo said: "Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel.
"The safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and neighbours is our first priority.
"Aggression towards, or the intimidation of, our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable.
"We are advising employees to work remotely wherever possible today. Leonardo provides laser technology for the F-35 aircraft to the United States under the UK Government's Open General Export Licence, which allows for the US to export UK-manufactured F-35 components to its export customers."
