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Europe
Pro-Palestinian Activists Wreck Belgian Arms Factory Supplying Ukraine
2025-06-28
Why Ukraine? That makes no sense. What does a Belgian company supplying Ukraine have to do with Palestine or Israel?
[United24Media] Around 150 pro-Palestinian activists stormed the premises of OIP Land Systems, a Belgian defense company that refurbishes military vehicles for Ukraine, causing over $1 million in damage, according to company CEO Freddy Versluys, a Belgian media outlet 7sur7 reported on June 24.

The incident, which occurred in the morning on June 23, is expected to delay upcoming armored vehicle deliveries to Ukraine by at least a month.

The activists, dressed in white suits with their faces covered, broke into the factory’s warehouses in Tournai as part of the “Stop Arming Israel” campaign, which calls for a military embargo on Israel and demands sanctions by the Belgian government.

“They ransacked our offices, destroyed computers, and then headed to the workshops, where they severely damaged several vehicles,” said Versluys. “They went on a rampage with spray paint and hammers.”

Versluys emphasized that the damaged vehicles were not intended for Israel but were part of a shipment to Ukraine.

“We no longer sell anything to Israel. …vandalized vehicles meant to defend Ukraine. Their action will delay our next delivery by at least a month.”

The activists targeted OIP Land Systems due to its ownership by Elbit Systems, a major Israeli defense contractor.
Ah. So the objection is that they are Israeli. The Ukraine thing is happenstance. Throw the book at them for forceful entry and destruction… or give the guys on the line axe handles and let them have a bit of fun on their unexpected break.
Protesters claim Elbit supplies 85% of drones and most ground-based weaponry to the Israeli military. However, Versluys insisted OIP has not delivered any defense systems to Israel for over 20 years and operates completely independently.

OIP has played a key role in supplying Ukraine’s military since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, delivering around 260 refurbished armored vehicles to date.

Police from the Tournai region were deployed to the scene, supported by anti-riot units from the Borinage area and a federal police helicopter. Some activists fled into neighboring villages but were pursued by law enforcement. According to the activist group Stop Arming Israel, at least 30 people were arrested.

Versluys announced that the company would be filing a formal complaint against unidentified perpetrators.
Posted by:Elmerert Hupens2660

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