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Campaigners hold ‘winter peace vigil’ held outside Israeli arms factory in Oldham

AN arms factory that makes weapons used by Israel against Palestinians was targeted for a “winter peace vigil” today.

The Elbit factory at Oldham in Greater Manchester produces parts for military drones which have been used against Palestinians, including in Gaza.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) said that the drones were used to carry out remote attacks.

Declan O’Neill, an Oldham resident and member of Oldham Peace and Justice campaign, said: “What really struck home for me was a quote from the Israeli Colonel Oren Matzliach: ‘Ordering an attack will be like ordering a book on Amazon or a pizza in a pizzeria using your smartphone.’

“This is Elbit: the Uber of extra-judicial killings. They have no place in our town. We call for Elbit out of Oldham and out of the UK.” 

Oldham Peace and Justice campaign and Manchester PSC stage regular protests at the factory.

Yesterday they demonstrated there with candles and placards, calling for its closure.

Manchester and Sheffield PSC groups have raised funds to buy essential healthcare products for the people of Gaza.

Manchester PSC chairwoman Norma Turner said: “People in solidarity with Palestine send presents to the children of Gaza, unlike Elbit systems who send death and destruction. 

“We stand in solidarity with the Palestinians at this time and always.”

Campaigners said that the Oldham factory is just one part of Britain’s military support for Israel.

Earlier this year PSC revealed that the Ministry of Defence had bought £46 million worth of military equipment from Elbit, which is Israel’s largest private arms manufacturer.

Britain also supplies Israel with arms and military advice.

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