A BRITISH factory which makes laser targeting systems for Israeli fighter jets was shut down by Palestine activists who broke into and occupied the plant today.

Volunteers from Palestine Action scaled the perimeter of the Italian-owned Leonardo factory in Edinburgh and dismantled equipment, making it inoperable.

The direct action group is waging a UK-wide campaign against factories supplying arms used in Israel’s continuing attacks on Gaza.

The Edinburgh factory’s targeting systems are used in Israel’s F-35 warplanes which Palestine Action said are being used to direct bombings of Gaza’s hospitals, schools, and key infrastructure.

“As the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza tops 11,000, activists have this morning reminded Leonardo of the blood on their hands and will maintain occupation of the factory for as long as is possible, to render it incapable of providing more weaponry to Israel,” the group said.

“The company is deeply complicit in the ongoing genocide, and, besides their Edinburgh-made laser targets, Leonardo furthermore supplies Israel with Aermacchi M-346 aircraft and components for its Apache attack helicopters, also deployed in the violent ethnic cleansing of Gaza.”

Activists previously blockaded Leonardo’s London offices and daubed its entrance in blood-red paint, symbolising the shedding of Palestinian blood.

Palestine Action said: “This is not the first time that Palestine Action have occupied the Edinburgh Leonardo factory and the campaign against the Italian weapons giant represents the continued expansion of Palestine Action’s remit.”

The action group was formed three years ago and involves autonomous groups targeting weapons factories across Britain that are supplying Israel.