News / bristol city council
The Palestine flag is being flown at Bristol City Hall
The Palestinian flag is currently flying outside City Hall following the government’s recent recognition of the state of Palestine.
A sign at the foot of the flagpole says that the flag is being flown until Monday to coincide with the United Nations general assembly “following a local community request”.
The sign adds that “flying the flag is not a political act”.
Green Party council leader, Tony Dyer, said: “There can be no doubt that the UK government’s recognition of the state of Palestine is deeply significant…
“As well as the UK government, many other countries in Europe and around the world are recognising Palestine including France, Portugal, Australia and Canada.
“There is strong anticipation that other countries will follow suit during the United Nations’ Summit on Palestine.
“The UN Summit potentially offers the greatest opportunity to find a peaceful resolution to the death and devastation occurring on a daily basis in the Middle East, as well as ensuring the release of the Israeli and other hostages being held in Gaza.
“We strongly advocate for peaceful co-existence and mutual respect of all faiths and none in Bristol and all over the world.
“We do not tolerate racism or antisemitism in any form. Bristol residents and communities have consistently shown support for peace in the Middle East.
“We must hope that the outcomes from the UN Summit will help deliver long lasting peace via a two-state solution in the Middle East.”
City Hall was lit up in the colours of the Israeli flag following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 2023 in which the group killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages – photo: Bristol City Council
Main photo: Martin Booth
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