Pro-Palestine campaigners protest outside AXA branch

PRO-Palestinian activists gathered outside the offices of Axa Insurance in Omagh on Tuesday to protest the insurance company’s alleged ties to firms operating in Israeli settlements.

The demonstration at the office located at the Showgrounds Retail Park on Sedan Avenue was organised by Omagh and Mid Ulster Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign claim that AXA ‘invests in Israeli firms that finance the building of Israeli settlements in the West Bank’.

Tuesday was described as a ‘national day of action’, with AXA branches throughout the country being picketed by demonstrators.

According to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a Palestinian-led initiative targeting companies economically-involved in Israel, AXA had invested in three Israeli banks operating in occupied Palestine.

But, in a statement published on the AXA Ireland website, a company spokesperson said, “AXA has no investments in any of the banks cited in recent calls for boycott.

“The AXA Group is committed to conducting business to the highest ethical standard.

“AXA’s investments comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and respect all internationally-recognised human rights principles.

“This is also the case for AXA’s investment in the Middle East Region.”

The wider Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised protests against AXA in 13 counties.