INSURANCE COMPANY ALLIANZ’S premises on Merrion Road in Dublin was damaged by pro-Palestine activists in the early hours of this morning. 

Gardaí said this morning that an investigation into the attack is under way. The company has said there were staff present in the building at the time the attack took place.

The activists said the attack on the premises was motivated by the German firm’s ties to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit.

A statement from Allianz Ireland said: “Contrary to online commentary and media reporting in Ireland, Allianz plc can confirm that it has no commercial relationship of any kind with Elbit Systems.”

Allianz has drawn criticism previously for investing in Israeli shares and bonds which the UN’s Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, claimed are “implicated in the occupation and genocide”.

In August, 800 current and former GAA players signed an open letter calling on the organisation to end its partnership with Allianz over its link to the war in Gaza.

A video shared by the group behind the attack, Palestine Action Éire, showed a number of people smashing the glass front and doors of the building. Red spray paint was used to paint “Drop Elbit” on the side of the building. A keypad at the entryway was also smashed.

Gardaí confirmed they had attended the scene where criminal damage had occurred at approximately 2:50am.

“The scene has been preserved for technical examination,” a spokesperson said. “Investigations are ongoing.

In a statement to The Journal, Allianz Ireland confirmed the attack on its Dublin offices.

“A group of people in balaclavas and black combat style clothing and armed with a variety of implements attempted to gain entry to the building by smashing windows and doors.

“Allianz employees and contractors in the building at the time alerted Gardaí and secured themselves in a safe location in the building as part of our security procedures.

“The attackers also daubed red paint on the building before leaving.

“Our first priority is for the safety and wellbeing of our employees and contractors, particularly those who were in the building when this attack occurred. We are working with them to ensure they are getting our fullest support in the face of what was a frightening ordeal.”

There is no disruption to the company’s services.