Climate activists block BP headquarters in London over deal with Israel

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Climate protesters on Monday blocked the entrance of the British energy giant BP in London over cooperation with Israel in gas exploration.

A group of Fossil Free London activists gathered in front of the entrance of the company headquarters with a banner which read: "Stop fueling genocide."

With a Palestine flag, the group also chanted the "Free Palestine" slogan during the sit-in out of the BP headquarters in central London.

Sharing a video clip on X, the group said that the oil company has recently been given license by Israel to explore for gas off the Gaza Strip coast.

"While Israel commits genocide, BP just sees a new business opportunity. No climate justice without Palestinian justice," the climate group added.

Since Israel started bombing Gaza following an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, at least 13,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 9,000 women and children, and more than 30,000 others have been injured, according to the latest official figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a small trickle.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.