‘Solidarity’: Cosmetic retailer Lush shuts Aussie stores to protest against starvation of people in Gaza

Global cosmetics retailer Lush has shut its stores across Australia to protest against the starvation of people in Gaza. Signs reading “Stop starving Gaza — we are closed in solidarity” were plastered outside outlets. People shopping online were also met with a redesigned website expressing the same message. Lush — which sells soap, shampoo and scrubs — will also stop operating its Sydney factory for 24 hours. “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.” Lush said shutting shops was “not an easy decision” but “many of our customers share the same anxiety about the current situation in Gaza”. It is understood staff will still be paid during the closures. “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,” the company 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.” It comes one month after Lush in the UK similarly shut all stores, its website and factories. The International Court of Justice has said Israel is obligated to ensure civilians in Gaza are provided food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services. Israel’s foreign ministry says it “fully upholds its obligations under international law”.