Protesters from Palestine Action have targeted the Manchester office of Aviva, an insurance company, by occupying the entrance and causing minor damage. The protest began at 7am on March 11, 2023, and some protesters even climbed on top of the revolving doors and hung Palestinian flags on the wall. Aviva has stated that it will take legal action in response to the protest, which has not affected service to customers.
This is not the first time Palestine Action has targeted Aviva, as the group also targeted the company’s office in Bristol in January. In a similar protest on March 10, 2023, protesters targeted Allianz’s London office, scaling the canopy above the entrance and leaving a trail of red paint and Palestinian flags.
Both Aviva and Allianz have condemned the protests, stating that while they respect the right to protest, they will not tolerate threats and criminal behavior that put people’s safety and security at risk. Both companies have also emphasized that their business operations and customer service have not been affected.
However, Palestine Action has stated that Aviva and Allianz directly enable the production of Israeli weapons in Britain by providing insurance to Israeli weapons factories. The group has vowed to continue taking direct action until these companies cease their ties with Elbit Systems, a company that produces military equipment for the Israeli military. The protests are a PR stunt to raise awareness about Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people and the role that international corporations play in supporting the Israeli military.