BNP Paribas Fortis Office in Harelbeke Vandalized Amid Pro-Palestine Protests
The bank branch faces vandalism for the third time, with activists demanding an end to financial ties with Israeli arms companies.
Early in the morning of June 16, 2025, the BNP Paribas Fortis office located on Gentsestraat in Harelbeke, West Flanders, Belgium, was vandalized for the third time, as police discovered significant damage upon arrival at approximately 5 a.m. The front facade of the building was spray-painted with pro-Palestine slogans, which displayed politically charged messages linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In addition to the graffiti, several windows of the bank were smashed.
A group of activists, who have chosen to remain anonymous, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their actions were a protest against the bank's alleged financial involvement with Israeli arms manufacturers.
They called on BNP Paribas Fortis to cease all financing and lending activities related to these companies, which they argue play a role in the regional conflict.
The group characterized their actions as a response to what they define as organized crime, targeting institutions they perceive as complicit in military operations.
While the activists have not disclosed their membership, their communications suggest a level of organization and a clear political agenda.
In response to the vandalism, BNP Paribas Fortis issued a statement denying any funding of arms or connections to the Middle East conflict.
The bank condemned the vandalism, emphasizing its commitment to the safety of its employees and customers.
Spokesperson Jeroen Petrus confirmed that the incident had been reported to the police and the bank branch was closed for cleaning and safety measures.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and seeking to identify those involved in the vandalism.
This recent incident marks a notable escalation in the vandalism directed toward the bank, as the Harelbeke branch has previously been targeted twice in 2024, where it was spray-painted with protest messages but not damaged.
The current acts of vandalism, particularly with the breaking of windows, have raised concerns about potential further aggression amidst increasing political tensions surrounding the Palestinian situation.
The broader context of these protests has been reflected across various locations in Belgium, indicating a surge in political activism related to international issues.
In addition to the graffiti, several windows of the bank were smashed.
A group of activists, who have chosen to remain anonymous, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their actions were a protest against the bank's alleged financial involvement with Israeli arms manufacturers.
They called on BNP Paribas Fortis to cease all financing and lending activities related to these companies, which they argue play a role in the regional conflict.
The group characterized their actions as a response to what they define as organized crime, targeting institutions they perceive as complicit in military operations.
While the activists have not disclosed their membership, their communications suggest a level of organization and a clear political agenda.
In response to the vandalism, BNP Paribas Fortis issued a statement denying any funding of arms or connections to the Middle East conflict.
The bank condemned the vandalism, emphasizing its commitment to the safety of its employees and customers.
Spokesperson Jeroen Petrus confirmed that the incident had been reported to the police and the bank branch was closed for cleaning and safety measures.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and seeking to identify those involved in the vandalism.
This recent incident marks a notable escalation in the vandalism directed toward the bank, as the Harelbeke branch has previously been targeted twice in 2024, where it was spray-painted with protest messages but not damaged.
The current acts of vandalism, particularly with the breaking of windows, have raised concerns about potential further aggression amidst increasing political tensions surrounding the Palestinian situation.
The broader context of these protests has been reflected across various locations in Belgium, indicating a surge in political activism related to international issues.
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