Palestine activists demanded yesterday that Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones condemn Israel’s attack on Gaza and cut off public cash from firms supporting the occupation.

Campaigners descended on the Welsh Assembly with a letter calling on Mr Jones to take solidarity action. 

The protest came after Mr Jones issued a statement that activists said dodged responsibility for ending Israel’s attack.

Mr Jones argued the Welsh government’s lack of powers over foreign affairs meant it had no “direct role or responsibility.” 

He also angered peace activists by not condemning Israel’s military action.

“The Welsh people have a long tradition of internationalism and solidarity with oppressed people throughout the world,” the letter read.

“We should demand a response from our representatives in Cardiff Bay that is in keeping with that tradition, not a list of badly informed excuses for inaction from the Welsh government, which is what the First Minister’s statement amounts to.”

The letter specifically called on the Welsh government to drop contracts with companies providing goods or services to occupied land or the Israeli Defence Forces. 

It also raised Cardiff’s record of funding the Parc Aberporth — where drones used by Israel have been tested. 

Omar Abu Marzook, a surgeon from Gaza who now works in Wales, also called for the country to send medical aid to Palestine.