Gaza: Pro-Palestinian protesters block weapons plant

Protesters claim munitions made in Monmouthshire are being used by Israel in Gaza

About 50 pro-Palestinian protesters have blocked staff from entering a site run by Britain's biggest defence firm.

They waved Palestinian flags and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans outside two gates at BAE Systems munitions plant in Glascoed, Monmouthshire.

One banner read, "BAE stop armed genocide" while others said "Welsh weapons cause genocide" and "UK weapons kill".

It is one of four blockades at sites across the UK.

Many of the protesters covered their faces and said they were demonstrating against the production of weapons, and the war in Gaza.

"Hopefully we can see these places shut down for good," said one, Neezo Dahan, who described himself as a human rights activist.

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"We are here to demonstrate using our democratic and fundamental right to oppose the ongoing genocide," he said, explaining that the protest included various groups, including members of the Wales Peace Coalition.

Police said they were at the scene "to facilitate a peaceful and safe gathering"

Gwent Police said: "We're aware of an ongoing protest in Glascoed... our officers are in attendance to facilitate a peaceful and safe gathering."

BAE Systems said: "The protesters blocked the entrance and that has prevented staff from accessing the site this morning."