Insurance company Allianz closed its Belfast office after it was occupied and vandalised by pro-Palestinian activists who targeted the firm’s sites across the UK.
Red paint was thrown over walls and windows of 10 offices on Monday evening by Palestine Action demonstrators protesting against the German financial services company’s links with Israel.
The PSNI was alerted to thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage caused to Allianz’s premises in Cromac Quay on the Ormeau Road at around 8am.
It happened as many in the country and around the world took part in commemorations for the victims of the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on October 7 last year.
Spray paint on the front ground-floor window panes of the property has now been removed.
However, an Allianz spokesperson said it took the decision to remain closed on Tuesday due to staff safety concerns.
“We have had disruption at several of our offices,” they said.
“The safety and security of our colleagues is paramount and we have closed these sites today.
“Our operations and service to customers and clients are unaffected. As this is an ongoing police matter we have no further comment at this stage.”
The Palestine Action group said Allianz was targeted because of the firm’s investment in Elbit Systems – Israel’s biggest weapons firm, and called for Allianz to pull out of Israel.
“Without insurance, Elbit couldn’t operate in Britain,” it said in a statement.
“Palestine Action will cost more than you gain from enabling genocide.
“Allianz, it’s time to stop insuring and investing in Israeli weapons firm, Elbit Systems.”
Activists vacated nine of the offices within hours, but the firm’s Guildford site remained occupied on Tuesday morning.
A number of protesters could be seen on the roof of the office’s lobby where they daubed slogans on the windows including “drop Elbit” and “free Palestine”.
Last month the group targeted 10 branches of Barclays Bank in protest at what it described as the bank’s ties to Israel.
The latest stunt happened as vigils were held to remember the almost 1,200 people killed and hundreds who were taken hostage by Hamas in what was the single biggest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.
Palestine Action claims Israel’s response – which has destroyed large parts of Gaza and killed tens of thousands of Paelstinians – justifies its tactics of taking direct action against businesses with ties to the Jewish state.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were alerted to red paint being sprayed on two buildings in London’s City financial district at 4am.
A 19-year-old man was chased before being apprehended on suspicion of criminal damage.
Seven people were charged with burglary and violent disorder in August after a warehouse linked to Elbit was targeted near Bristol.
Surrey Police said three protesters caused “a significant amount of damage” to the Guildford site where officers specially trained in the removal of protesters attended the scene.
Supt Mark Offord said: “While we recognise the right to protest, there is no excuse for anybody using it as an excuse to engage in criminal activity.”
The PSNI said it believes the damage in Belfast was caused during the early hours of Monday morning.
“Enquiries are continuing into the investigation to determine a motive and who was responsible,” a spokesperson said.
“Anyone with information or who witnessed what happened or has CCTV, dash-cam or other mobile footage is asked to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 218 07/10/24.”