Police move in on pro-Palestinian rally

A group of pro-Palestinian activists has occupied the roof and blockaded the entrance of a factory, which they claim supplies drones to kill civilians in the Gaza conflict.

It took dozens of police to move the protesters, who are believed to be members of the Melbourne Palestine Action Coalition, as they rallied outside Elbit Systems, a subsidiary of an Israeli arms manufacturer.

A group of around six protesters climbed onto the roof of the building and dropped a banner, reading 'Elbit Drones kills kids in Gaza #BDS', while others formed a blockade at the entrance.

Officers arrived and moved in to clear protesters from the entrance, then to remove them from the roof.

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One of the activists, Phillis Campbell McCrea, claimed drones used in the Gaza conflict had been manufactured by Elbit.

"We're here today protesting and drawing peoples' attention to the fact that Elbit systems, which is an Israeli arms manufacturer and defence company, has provided the drones which have been used in the Gaza attacks," she said.

"Our government has defence contracts with this company and we believe we shouldn't be helping them profit from war.

"The sad and sick travesty is that over the last three weeks, their share prices increased by six per cent - that's a clear indication that this company profits from death."

Phillis said the people of Melbourne have a right to know that a company of this nature is operating here.

All six removed from the roof were charged with trespass.