Palestinian flag to fly over Edinburgh council building now

Other way round, FFin Ten days ago they decided not to fly the political flag, just the humanitarian one, but it was to be ratified later. The latest news is that the ratification seems to have been derailed, so now they are to fly the DEC flag plus Palestinian one.

I can't yet see details of how the decision was changed, who said what, etc.

X-ed posts Elegran

Am I not getting this somewhere? I thought a DEC flag was going to fly alongside the one for Palestine. So now it seems to have been decided that in the interests of political neutrality this flag will no longer be flown, so why not keep the Dec one which is non-political but humanitarian.

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza appeal flag and phone number are more appropriate.

Well Elegran, in Bradford we've had George Galloway MP stating that "his" city is an Israel free zone: "We don’t want any Israeli goods. We don’t want any Israeli services. We don’t want any Israeli academics. We don’t even want any Israeli tourists… We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel."

And yes, the Palestinian flag was flown over the Town Hall.

None - it is not appropriate.

Ten days ago the suggestion was turned down. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-turns-down-pleas-to-fly-palestinian-flag-1-3509393

There seems to be a change of mind, and they are no longer "showing support for those affected by the violence while maintaining political neutrality."

Exactly. It is a decision by an organisation representing a whole large and diverse city to proclaim what they wish to, without regard for those who may not wish to associate themselves with their actions.

Individuals can make their protests felt in their own way.

I see these actions as probably borne out of the frustration of seeing the UN and our own and other governments being unwilling to condemn the illegal actions of Israel, including the current and past indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. I think, though, to disregard the fact that some may not agree with an organisation taking it upon itself to represent the views of all its members, may alienate those who might otherwise be supportive.

I feel it is much better for individuals to show their own opposition to what I think can justifiably be described as the apartheid laws of Israel. They can do this by flying a flag or putting a poster outside their own homes (which we have done), by supporting the campaign to boycott Israeli goods and by being unembarrassed to say what they think if the subject is raised by those around them.

Jings It is Edinburgh council, not the Scottish government.

Have other councils in England/Wales done this flag-flying thing?

Well, I suppose if the Council is hell bent on flying a flag, then why not just stick to the DEC flag/banner and leave the national flags out of it.

And why not add Syria alongside Gaza.

It's weird. Will Scotland be willing to put their money where their mouths are if they get devolution? Have they really thought this through?

Another reason for the 'no' vote I would think.

I too agree with 'bags' I think we all have our own opinions over the situation in Gaza, and I think that to fly one flag, which ever one it is is provocative. Fly both or none at all, preferably none!

I would agree with bags, here.

I think one flag flying over one building is the least we can do to show some support for Gaza. If you think we are not biased in this conflict, look at the amount of arms we have supplied to Israel, add to that the support provided to them everyday by UK businesses, and our failure to insist that UN mandates on Gaza are enforced, and you realise, we are. One flag, one building, one day is so little. I am afraid they don't have to sit down and talk much as I wish they would.

I agree it should be both flags or none. My own preference would be for none.

I think to fly both flags together, side by side, if they feel they must, is the better, the only option.

I'm with you on that Elegran and would be happy to see the flag of Israel and Palestine being flown side by side, but not happy with either being flown separately.