Protesters from Palestine Action, a group the government wants to reclassify as a terrorist organisation, have blocked the entrance of a defence company.
A spokesperson for the group said two activists were “disrupting” operations at Elbit Systems in north Bristol on Tuesday, covering the entrance to the site in red paint.
Palestine Action allege that Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military – a claim that the company strongly denies.
The facility has been the focus of a number of previous protests, including paint being thrown over the building and a ram raid. The has contacted Elbit Systems for comment.
The action comes as a draft order was laid before Parliament on Monday to amend the Terrorism Act 2000 to include Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation.
If approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it.
MPs and peers are expected to debate the legislation on Wednesday and Thursday and, if approved, the ban could come into force by Friday.
Protesters on Tuesday morning also occupied the rooftop of subcontractor Guardtech Group in Suffolk.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the Bristol site at around 06:30 BST and had responded to a protest involving two people.
“We’re committed to facilitating people’s right to peaceful protest, but will not tolerate any criminal behaviour,” they added.
As of 13:00, the protesters remained at the site.
Palestine Action is seeking a legal challenge against the government’s bid to proscribe it, with a hearing expected on Friday to decide whether the ban can be temporarily blocked, pending further proceedings to decide whether a legal challenge can be brought.
A Suffolk Police spokesperson also said officers and specialist negotiators were on the scene in Brandon “to bring this to a conclusion” and ensure the safety of those in the area.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
Since then, 56,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
