Pro-Palestinian drone factory protest enters second day

A protest that has seen the roof of a combat drone factory occupied has entered its second day.

Members of Palestine Action climbed on to the Israeli-owned Elbit Systems subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester on Wednesday morning.

The facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege have been used in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

A number of supporting demonstrations have been held outside the gates.

Elbit has not commented on the protest.

Police have been at the site overnight and a fire service aerial ladder is being used to speak to protesters.

"The group remain on the roof and police have continued to maintain an open dialogue with them," a police spokesperson said.

"A further protest has also been taking place on the ground and has been facilitated in a peaceful manner."

Palestine Action said its protest was designed to highlight the role of UK-made military equipment in the Middle East.

More than 200 people are thought to have died in rocket attacks and airstrikes between Israel and Gaza militants in recent days.

The fighting began on 10 May after weeks of rising tensions.

Palestinians say they are suffering because of Israeli actions and restrictions, including the threatened eviction of some families in East Jerusalem. Israel says it is only acting to protect itself from Palestinian violence.

It culminated in clashes at al-Aqsa, a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews. After warning Israel to withdraw, Hamas began firing rockets, triggering retaliatory air strikes.

Early in the occupation, red paint was sprayed on to the side of the building.

One of the four activists on the roof, who gave his name as Ethan, said spirits were high.

"The support, both here and on Instagram and places has been amazing," he said.

"It can be a little intense at times with the police coming up in a cherry picker but it just shows what we are doing is important.

"We have sleeping bags and a tent and we don't intend to come down any time soon."

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