Belfast Councillors Approve Palestinian Flag Over City Hall

Councillors in Belfast have voted to raise the Palestinian flag over City Hall, marking a significant development in local politics. The decision came after a motion by Sinn Féin was approved by a narrow margin of 32 votes to 28 during a council meeting held on the evening of October 30, 2023. This motion stipulates that the flag will be displayed on the next available day.

Prior to this vote, an amendment proposed by the Alliance Party aimed to illuminate the City Hall in the colours of Palestine during January instead of raising the flag. This amendment was defeated decisively, with 49 councillors voting against it and only 11 in favour. Last month, the council had already voted to fly the Palestinian flag on November 29 to commemorate the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. However, this earlier decision was halted following legal advice prompted by a unionist initiative to reconsider the proposal.

In light of the contentious atmosphere surrounding the issue, a special meeting of the council was convened to revisit the flag-raising proposal. Following the announcement of the vote, Sinn Féin expressed satisfaction with the outcome. The party released a statement asserting its commitment to solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst ongoing conflict, 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.”

Reactions from unionist parties were swift and critical. Sarah Bunting, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) group leader on the council, described the decision as a “scandalous abuse of process.” Bunting emphasized that the issue of raising the Palestinian flag is divisive in Belfast. She highlighted concerns regarding the potential impact on the local Jewish community, stating, “Our small Jewish community will understandably view this as deeply intimidating and as a move that risks stoking antisemitism in our city.”

TUV Councillor Ron McDowell accused the council of disregarding the rights of the minority and described the situation as “disgraceful.” He stated, “The days of unionists quietly accepting such cavalier disregard for their rights are over.” McDowell reiterated his position that only the national flag of the United Kingdom should be displayed from City Hall, pointing to perceived hypocrisy surrounding the council’s actions. He referenced the October 7 attacks in Israel, arguing that nationalist and republican representatives had previously blocked efforts to illuminate City Hall in the colours of the Israeli flag.

As tensions rise, the TUV has hinted at the possibility of emergency legal proceedings aimed at blocking the flag’s installation. The political landscape in Belfast remains fraught with divisions, and the decision to raise the Palestinian flag is likely to continue to provoke strong reactions from various factions within the community.