Popular cosmetics retailer Lush has closed its stores across Australia to protest against the starvation of people in Gaza.
Customers heading to their outlets were met with signs reading “Stop starving Gaza — We are closed in solidarity”, while people shopping online clicked into a redesigned website with the same message.
Its factory is Sydney will also cease operation for 24 hours.
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“Like the rest of the world, we struggle to find ways we can help whilst the Israeli government is preventing urgent humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza,” the company said.
“One thing Lush can currently send into Gaza is our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity.
“This will take the form of halting business-as-usual by shutting our shops, website and factory in Sydney for one day on Thursday.”
The retailer, which sells soap, shampoo and scrubs, said “shutting our shops is not an easy decision” but “many of our customers share the same anxiety about the current situation in Gaza.”
Lush told 7NEWS.com.au that all staff will be paid for the hours lost during the statement closures.
Lush stores across Australia have been closed, while signs protesting the situation in Gaza have been covered up at some sights. Credit: 7NEWS and Supplied
The company said it is again selling a fundraising soap to support medical services in Gaza.
“Whilst Lush is losing a day of takings, this also means that the Australian government is losing a day of tax contributions from Lush and our customers,” it said.
“We hope they too hear the message our closure sends, with more government action needed to bring an immediate stop to the death and destruction.”
Pictures taken outside some stores appear to show shopping centre management having covered up the signs.
The closures come a month after Lush shut all UK retail stores, its website and factories for a similar reason.
The move in Australia came as the United Nations’ top legal body, the International Court of Justice, said that Israel is obligated to ensure the civilian population in Gaza is provided food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services.
“As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival,” presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa said.
Israel’s foreign ministry said it “fully upholds its obligations under international law”.
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