Researchers have uncovered that Barclays Bank holds over £1 billion in shares, and provides over £3 billion in loans and underwriting to nine companies whose weapons, components, and military technology have been used in Israel’s armed violence against Palestinians.
Militarised violence against the Palestinian people is a central feature of Israel’s occupation and apartheid regime – including the illegal Apartheid Wall, demolitions of Palestinian homes, brutal armed crackdowns on Palestinian protestors, and indiscriminate bombing campaigns of the Gaza Strip. This system is maintained through the involvement of governments and business enterprises around the world. Financial institutions in the UK provide investment, loans, and other financial services to companies supplying Israel with weapons and military technology used to oppress Palestinians. By providing investment and financial services to these arms companies, Barclays facilitates the provision of weapons and technology for Israel’s repression of Palestinians.
Alongside War on Want and Campaign Against Arms Trade, we’re calling on Barclays Bank to #StopBankingOnApartheid. The campaign launch can be viewed HERE (lasts just over an hour)