Barclays Accused of Complicity in Gaza Genocide through Arms Sales

Members of The North Oxfordshire Socialist Alliance engaged with shoppers in Bridge Street to raise awareness about Barclays Bank's alleged complicity in the Gaza genocide. Phil Richards, a NOSA member, claimed that Barclays bankrolls Israel's assault on Palestinians through its financial ties with arms companies. Research by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign found that Barclays invests over £2 billion in and provides financial services worth £6.1 billion to companies arming Israel. The campaign is calling on people to boycott all Barclays services.

Key Takeaways:

• Barclays has been accused of complicity in the Gaza genocide through its financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to Israel.
• The Palestine Solidarity Campaign's research found that Barclays invests over £2 billion in and provides financial services worth £6.1 billion to companies arming Israel.
• The campaign is calling on people to boycott all Barclays services.
• Over 5,000 people closed their Barclays accounts in 2024 as part of the mass account closure days.
• Barclays has disputed these claims, stating that they provide 'vital financial services' to companies supplying defense products to NATO and its allies.
• The bank has accused protesters of intimidating staff and online harassment and has increased security measures in response.

Statistics:

• Over £2 billion invested by Barclays in companies arming Israel (PSC research).
• £6.1 billion in financial services provided by Barclays to companies arming Israel (PSC research).
• 5,000 people closed their Barclays accounts in 2024 as part of the mass account closure days (NOSA).

Sources:

• PSC's research on Barclays' investments in and financial services to companies arming Israel (no date provided).
• The Banbury Guardian's report on Barclays' response to the protests (no date provided).
• Barclays' statement on the protests ("The safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority...") (no date provided).