BREAKING: Councillors in Belfast have just voted to raise the Palestinian flag over City Hall, following a heated council meeting that ended with a 32 to 28 vote in favor. This decision, passed on Monday evening, comes amid escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The motion, introduced by Sinn Fein, aims to raise the flag on the next available day, signaling solidarity with the Palestinian people. Earlier, a proposal from the Alliance Party to illuminate City Hall in the colors of Palestine in January was decisively defeated, with a vote of 49 to 11.
This latest development follows a previous council decision to raise the flag on November 29 for the UN international day of solidarity with Palestinians. However, that plan was stalled after legal advice warned against immediate action due to a unionist push to reconsider the proposal.
Today’s special meeting saw passionate arguments from both sides. Sinn Fein leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “In the face of Israel’s barbaric and inhumane genocide, we must continue to do all we can to show solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.”
In stark contrast, unionist representatives voiced their outrage. DUP group leader Sarah Bunting condemned the rapid decision as a “scandalous abuse of process.” She emphasized that this issue is deeply divisive in Belfast, warning that the flag’s presence could further intimidate the city’s small Jewish community and exacerbate tensions.
TUV Councillor Ron McDowell echoed these concerns, stating that the council had “disgraced itself” by disregarding the rights of minority communities. He insisted that only the national flag of the United Kingdom should fly from City Hall, accusing Sinn Fein of hypocrisy for blocking efforts to honor the Israeli flag after the tragic October 7 attacks.
As the situation develops, the potential for emergency legal proceedings looms, with unionist factions threatening to challenge the council’s decision in court. The community’s reaction remains polarized, with many feeling the implications of this vote will resonate beyond the immediate political landscape.
This urgent update on Belfast City Hall’s flag policy underscores the deep divisions within the council and the broader community regarding international issues. All eyes will be on Belfast as the city prepares to raise the flag, with many stakeholders watching closely for any ensuing legal actions or public responses.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
