Palestine Action occupy Aviva’s Bristol HQ as one protester ‘on top of overhang’

Palestine Action has occupied Aviva’s Bristol headquarters in its latest round of insurance-related protests.

The protest group began occupying the office from 7.30am this morning (22 January 2025), with one protester said to be on top of the overhang.

Protesters also painted the front glass of the building, with messages painted including “Elbit Out”.

Elbit Systems manufactures over 85% of Israel’s drones, including quadcopters used by the country’s military to perform targeted military operations.

Palestine Action alleged that Aviva provides employers liability insurance for UAV Engines in Staffordshire, a drone engine factory owned by Elbit Systems.

”Without insurance, the Israeli arms maker would not be able to operate in Britain,” a spokesperson for the protest group said.

It is unclear if the protesters are still at the Aviva office in Bristol. Insurance Times has contacted the insurer for comment.

Other protest

The protest comes after Israel’s government approved a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The war began in 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October that year.

Following the first anniversary of the war, Palestine Action targeted 10 British offices of Allianz over the insurer’s alleged involvement with Elbit Systems in October 2024.

Offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and other cities saw windows smashed, Palestinian flags hung and red paint sprayed across facades by the protestors.

Palestine Action said at the time: “The 10 actions are just the beginning of our campaign against Allianz, which will swiftly end once we receive confirmation that they will no longer provide insurance for, or invest in, Israel’s biggest weapons producer Elbit Systems.

“We invite Allianz to announce the end of their ties with Elbit Systems. Until then, we will continue our actions against the firm.”