PALESTINE supporters staged protests across Britain on Saturday, targeting Barclays Bank for its financial links with arms companies supplying Israel.

More than 20 protests were staged in advance of United Nations International Day of Solidarity with Palestine which takes place tomorrow.

They were organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC).

The Day of Solidarity was initiated by the United Nations general assembly as a display of support for Palestinians in their struggle for justice, self-determination and return to the lands taken from them by Israel.

Supporters also targeted companies and financial institutions involved in Israel.

The PSC said during Saturday’s protests: “Today, we’re demonstrating at Barclays bank locations across Britain to demand the bank severs its financial ties with arms companies supplying Israel with deadly weapons.

“Palestinians have been clear with us that one of the best ways to show solidarity with their struggle is to run campaigns focused on the banks and arms companies profiting off violence committed against them. 

“Collectively, we can make a difference, and stop banks like Barclays supporting Israel’s apartheid and occupation regime.

“Barclays invests over £1billion-plus in arms companies supplying Israel, including Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems who specialise in military drones, surveillance systems, and small arms for Israeli soldiers.”

Elbit has four weapons factories in Britain which are regularly targeted by Palestine supporters and by direct action group Palestine Action.

Tomorrow a weekly protest at Elbit’s factory at Shenstone in Staffordshire takes place from 11am to 1pm.

Among Saturday’s protests was a rally in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens which was backed by 13 organisations campaigning in support of Palestine.