Activist group launches petition calling on Barclays bank to cut Israel ties
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called on Barclays Bank to cut ties with companies that provide arms to Israel and to cease its role as the “primary dealer” of Israeli government bonds, sharing a petition that has more than 17,400 signatures thus far.
“We, the undersigned, demand that Barclays immediately ends all financial ties to companies arming Israel and ceases acting as a ‘primary dealer’ of Israeli government bonds,” the group said. “Until these actions are undertaken, we will boycott all Barclays products and services.”
Palestinians have pointed to boycotts and divestment as a form of civil society mobilisation that can place pressure on Israel, often citing the example of boycott campaigns against apartheid South Africa.
Eurovision winner Nemo to return trophy over Israel’s inclusion
Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, will return the winner’s trophy because Israel is being allowed to compete in next year’s competition.
In an Instagram video, Nemo held the microphone-shaped glass ornament and said, “Today, I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf”.
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion and dignity for all people,” said Nemo, adding that Israel’s participation, given its genocidal war on Gaza, shows those ideals are at odds with organisers’ decisions.
“When entire countries withdraw, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,” Nemo said before placing the trophy in a box they said would be sent to the Geneva headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision.
