WELSH peace activists urged the RAF to sever its ties with three Israeli-linked weapons manufacturers today.

Dozens of campaigners gathered at RAF Valley, Ynys Mon, to demand an end to arms sales to the Israeli government by BAE Systems, RTX and Elbit Systems.

The base operates aircraft manufactured by BAE and RTX, while Elbit — a frequent target of pro-Palestinian direct action — has been awarded a £32.5 million contract by the Ministry of Defence to operate four additional aircraft until 2033, the group said.

Newly founded peace campaigning network Heddwch ar Waith, or Peace Action Wales, organised the demonstration at which the RAF was accused of having blood on its hands. 

Ahead of the protest, group co-ordinator Sam Bannon said: “[Prime Minister] Rishi Sunak’s government is failing to voice the views of 76 per cent of the UK population in support of a total ceasefire in Gaza.

“His Conservative government and the United States under the leadership of President Biden have the blood of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians on their hands.”

He said protesters were particularly incensed that nearly 8,700 of those killed, 40 per cent, are believed to be children, while 180 children are born every day “into a decimated healthcare system which … has been targeted at least 250 times by Israeli attacks.

“We will gather today to voice the views of the great majority of people in Wales to demand a total and complete cessation of arms sales to Israel.”

The group said in a statement that all three companies “are aiding and abetting the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” with Elbit Systems producing 85 per cent of the Israeli Defence Force’s land-based equipment alone.

The group reportedly plans to follow up its action with a series of regular vigils and boycotts outside banks, fast-food retailers and shops.

It comes after Palestine Action activists dubbed the “Elbit Eight” were acquitted of 12 charges in what campaigners hailed a landmark case for peace activism earlier this month. 

They argued that the actions taken were necessary to preserve life in a trial for criminal damage, burglary and encouraging criminal damage over actions at the Israeli weapons firm between July 2020 and January 2021.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.