Brussels – This morning, June 23, 2025, activists gathered outside the offices of Syensqo in Brussels and OIP Sensor Systems in Tournai, accusing these firms of contributing to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Activist Camille publicly denounced Elbit’s involvement but stated no arrests had occurred, reports 24brussels.
According to VRT News, the demonstrations began around 7:45 AM, involving protests at two Belgian companies: Syensqo and OIP Sensor Systems. The demonstrators alleged that both companies were instrumental in aiding Israel with what they termed “genocidal acts” in the Palestinian territories. Protesters obstructed access to the companies while at Syensqo, some painted the building red to symbolize the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza.
The protesters asserted that Syensqo supplies components for Israeli drones, which are reportedly used in military operations. They accused the company of
“knowingly supplying a key component of a weapon associated with Israeli war crimes,”
thus implicating them in what they termed ongoing genocide.
What role do Belgian arms firms play in the Gaza conflict?
Demonstrators also showed up at OIP Sensor Systems in Tournai, which is owned by Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer. The company is linked to the production of optical and targeting systems for the Israeli military.
Activists positioned at these locations insisted that companies like OIP and Syensqo bear responsibility for their roles in supplying arms, pointing out that such actions often result in civilian casualties and violate international laws.
They articulated that today’s protests are a part of a broader European initiative aiming to counter military collaboration with Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. While police were present at both protest sites, no arrests were made this morning, and the companies involved have yet to respond to the allegations.
In Tournai, activists conducted their protest more aggressively by entering the industrial area overnight prior to the main demonstration. They entered a storage facility containing military equipment, painting some of it red in protest against the bloodshed in Gaza.
It has been reported that Elbit provides over 85% of the drones used by the Israeli army. Activists identified Elbit as a principal supporter of Israel’s military actions in Palestinian territories. The vandalism of the equipment was intended to highlight the “war machine” that the demonstrators claimed involves Belgium through its defense firms linked to Israel.
“Elbit is the industrial arm of the genocide in Palestine. The fact that this company has branches in Belgium and makes profits here is unacceptable,”
complained Camille, one of the demonstrators.
Protesters reported a significant police presence intended to suppress the demonstrations. They interpreted the heavy-handed police response as indicative of the government’s priorities. Activists chastised authorities for defending arms manufacturers rather than intervening to stop what they characterize as genocide in Gaza.
They contended that the government is acting against those attempting to disrupt arms production associated with alleged war crimes. The demonstrators feel compelled to take action in the absence of meaningful intervention by state institutions. There has yet to be an official release detailing police attendance or any potential legal consequences for the protesters.
