Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Palestine Action supports action against Hackney Council over alleged complicity in Israel’s Gaza genocide, as activists call for accountability.
Anonymous activists escalated the situation and covered Hackney Town Hall in blood-red paint after years of local struggle to urge Hackney Council to stop funding genocide.
Tens of millions of dollars are invested by the local government in businesses that provide Israel with weapons, such as Elbit Systems, the largest weapons manufacturer in Israel.
Elbit is heavily involved in the production of weaponry in this nation that have played a key role in the slaughter in Gaza, notably the engines that power Israel’s fleet of deadly drones.
A statement issued by the activists reads:
For years, local campaigners have been opposing Hackney Council’s investments in Israel’s occupation of Palestine. In the wake of the genocide, three neighbouring boroughs have moved to divest from complicit companies.
Yet Hackney remains committed to its exposure, totaling tens of millions invested in arms manufacturers directly supplying the Israeli military in its genocidal crimes, companies illegally operating in the West Bank, and companies supplying services that perpetuate the crime of apartheid.
Divestment is possible!
Hackney Council has a tendency to decorate, having previously labeled “Free Palestine” graffiti “anti-Semitic” and had it quickly painted over, despite their steadfast pro-Israel stance and refusal to budge on their divestment from genocide. Now, they have an entire Town Hall to redecorate.
On Thursday 20 February there is also set to be a protest over the council’s investment policies:
“The monthly Pensions Committee meeting is this Thursday. Please join the PSC rally in front of Hackney Town Hall.
The Council is investing in companies who arm Israel such as Elbit, Raheton, BA Systems. You are also welcome to join us inside.”
The monthly Pensions Committee meeting is this Thursday. Please join the PSC rally in front of Hackney Town Hall. The Council is investing in companies who arm Israel such as Elbit, Raheton, BA Systems. You are also welcome to join us inside.
— Chiara Lauvergnac (@Lauvergnac) February 19, 2025
Solidarity ❤️🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/G1T6B0EhU6
How did the Palestine action respond to the situation?
A Palestine Action spokesperson said that despite the dishonest reporting of the BBC, and much of the mainstream media, most people in this country are opposed to the murder of Palestinians by the Israeli regime, and to British participation in it.
They added: “Hackney Council are profiting from the slaughter, by investing in Israeli arms companies like Elbit.
The campaign against all those who facilitate and profit from the production of Israeli weapons is growing, and Hackney Council will be better off if they listen to the local community and divest.”
How has the Hackney council responded to the protests and demands?
Despite continuous protests outside the Town Hall, Hackney Council has formally acknowledged the right to peaceful protest, demonstrating its commitment to letting locals voice their opinions.
According to the council, the 1968-established twinning relationship with Haifa is civic in nature and self-sustaining due to ties within the community. Despite protesters’ pleas, they have not stated that they have any urgent plans to end this arrangement.
The council has stated that it is open to hearing community complaints on its ties and investments. In addition to addressing local concerns over pension fund investments, the mayor of Hackney has encouraged the UK government to promote a revitalized peace process.
Amid protests, the Hackney Council has previously rejected motions calling for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel. Activists calling for action have staged more rallies and demonstrations in response to this refusal.