Barclays Banks Smashed in Pro-Palestine Rampage Across London
Five Barclays branches in London were trashed overnight by pro-Palestine activists who smashed windows and splattered red paint on the buildings. The militant group Palestine Action claimed responsibility, accusing Barclays of backing Israeli weapons giant Elbit Systems.
Branches Attacked From Angel to Hammersmith
Targets included Barclays locations in Angel, Whitechapel, East Ham, Mayfair, and Hammersmith. Activists smashed glass panes and daubed “Free Palestine” graffiti in red paint.
At the Essex Road branch in Islington, journalist Jason Rodrigues posted photos of a shattered window tagged with the slogan. Whitechapel’s branch suffered multiple smashed windows and red paint slashed over its sign. Police cordons blocked off these sites early this morning.
Nearby, a Barclays outlet at Berkeley Street, close to Green Park station, also fell victim to the paint attack.
Palestine Action Hits Barclays Over Israel Investments
Palestine Action slammed Barclays for funding the Israeli military through investments in defence companies. The activist group is known for aggressive direct actions.
A Barclays spokesperson hit back, defending their role in funding the defence sector as vital to UK and allied security. They condemned the violent vandalism and stressed staff safety is their priority, noting enhanced security and surveillance measures are now in place.
More Trouble for Barclays as Protests Escalate
This isn’t Barclays’ first brush with pro-Palestine protests. Similar vandalism rocked branches nationwide in June, including St John’s Wood and Croydon.
The Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into the latest attacks and are expected to update the public soon.
