Seven Charged in Burglary at Israeli Defence Firm: British Counterterrorism Police Report

British counterterrorism police have charged seven individuals for their involvement in a burglary at the Elbit Systems building in South Gloucestershire. The charges include violent disorder and aggravated burglary, with alleged terrorist connections. The incident is linked to protests by pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action, against Israeli defence firms in the UK.

British counterterrorism police have charged seven individuals with violent disorder related to a burglary at Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems' building in southwest England. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced charges of criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary against people aged 20 to 51, asserting that these offences have a terrorist connection.

Those accused are scheduled to appear before London's Westminster Magistrates' Court. The group, identified as Palestine Action, targeted Elbit in response to its Israeli association, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. They claim their action aimed to disrupt the alleged colonial violence and profiteering by Elbit Systems.

Elbit Systems, with a significant presence in the UK, did not provide an immediate comment. Their UK subsidiary employs 680 people across 16 sites, working on various military programs. The recent violence in Gaza, where Israel targets Hamas militants, contextualizes the protests. Currently, the exchange rate is $1 to 0.7815 pounds.

(With inputs from agencies.)