Will McCallum, a co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, was arrested outside the US embassy in London on Thursday during a protest against American arms sales to Israel. The demonstration involved activists dyeing the water in a pond adjacent to the embassy red in an act meant to symbolise the human cost of such arms deals, which Greenpeace claims contribute to the "death and devastation caused in Gaza."
According to a statement from Greenpeace UK, approximately 12 activists participated in the protest, pouring 300 litres of "blood-red" biodegradable pond dye into the water feature. The organisation asserted that the dye used was non-toxic and posed no risk to people, wildlife, or the environment.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they became aware of the protest around 07:30 BST, at which point officers were dispatched to the scene. Following a search of the area after the dye was applied, six individuals were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and conspiracy to cause criminal damage. McCallum was identified among those arrested, and Greenpeace UK expressed that the arrests serve as "further proof that the right to protest is under attack in the UK."
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the US embassy condemned the action, stating, "While the US Embassy supports the right to peaceful protest, we strongly condemn any acts of violence or property damage." The spokesperson also noted that the protest had "damaged a 1.5 million gallon water supply on the property, wasting a local environmental resource."
The US is known to be the largest supplier of arms to Israel, and the context of the protest revolves around the ongoing conflict in the region. Since the onset of hostilities following a cross-border attack on 7 October 2023 by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties, the Israeli military has relied heavily on foreign weaponry, ramping up its military campaign against Hamas as tensions escalate.
The situation in Gaza has been dire since the outbreak of violence, with reports indicating that over 50,840 people have been killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The intensifying conflict follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire in March 2023, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown of a fragile truce that had been in place since January.
The protest at the US embassy underscores the growing concern over military support and arms deals in the context of international humanitarian crises, raising questions about the role and responsibilities of foreign governments in ongoing conflicts.
Source: Noah Wire Services