PALESTINE campaigners were out in strength in Manchester on Saturday in solidarity with activists who occupied several buildings of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit.

Protesters from Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) staged the action in recognition of activists who occupied the roof of a factory in Shenstone in Staffordshire for three days last week.

The Palestine Action occupiers poured red paint down the walls of the Elbit factory, which makes parts for military drones used to attack Gaza, symbolising the blood of Palestinian people.

Other activists chained themselves to the factory gate. Production was halted and there were at least five arrests.

Elbit’s factory at Oldham in Greater Manchester and its London offices were also targeted and splattered with red paint and slogans.

Manchester PSC chairwoman Norma Turner said: “We must shut down all the Elbit systems factories in the UK and end our complicity in the bombing of Gaza. 

“The cost of closing Elbit for three days is nothing compared with [its] astronomical profits – profits made with the blood of Palestinians. 

“The life of one Palestinian is worth more than any of their lost revenue.”