Palestinian Flag flown on Belfast City Hall

[Abbie7327]

Bid to have Palestinian flag taken down from City Hall denied https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74xnv24w8po

What is your point?

Just wondering what the thoughts are on this? I live near Belfast and given issues within NI over the past 40+ years, I think it is a divisive decision to fly the flag of any foreign country but more so because of the issues surrounding the allegiance of NI/ROI with Israel/Palestine?

Give me a second. Just asking opinions as it has not been off the news today. What are your thoughts?

What’s the AIBU?

Not Irish, but from what I know, the Palestinian cause has been closely associated with Republicanism. So it's definitely divisive.

Yes I do agree. I think it’s a backwards step in terms of a shared future unfortunately. It ultimately stirs up hatred on both sides which potentially results in public disorder. Terrible time of year for a decision such as this to be made for the Christmas markets and tourists.

I’m not convinced you are posting in good faith, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

My thoughts are that we need to move away from the idea that you can only support Palestine or Israel.

Most people view the actions of Hamas as horrific , while also believing that the Israeli government’s response has been disproportionate and indiscriminate.

Oh I agree. Regardless of any opinion on the ongoing war, I resent it being brought upon the streets of a city that has had so much hatred, war and destruction. I sympathise with both sides and I’m completely neutral but why is it being symbolised in Belfast? I disagree with it completely but probably for different reasons. We had riots in 2012 when the British flag was withdrawn from the City Hall, they lasted for years. So many people were injured, arrested & police were hurt. I don’t understand why on the eve of what went before 12 years earlier, they again vote on a completely different but equally contentious flag? I’m bewildered.

Like we dont have enough issues with flags

I think it’s a message to Westminster and Starmer that NI’s devolved government wants to see more action to enforce the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian flag is a symbol of the stated goal of the Trump peace plan that the UNSC passed.

It’s being flown to mark the United Nations international day of solidarity. Why shouldn’t people be able to show their support with the Palestinians? Same way as if people want to show solidarity with other groups that’s fine.

It’s just another Jamie Bwyson / TUV/ DUP moan. For months it’s been Irish language signs, then immigrant bashing and now this. It was voted for democratically by Belfast city councillors. It was flown for 24 hours.. If people don’t agree with the stance/ beliefs of their councillors then they need to exercise their right to vote.

Poor Jamie. Not very clever is he?

With all due respect, it’s a waste of time from our politicians and not Jamie Bryson or however you care to spell his name, which is just mocking a speech impediment.

They cannot even run this country but they’re more focused on other issues in foreign lands and not their own, that goes for both sides I may add, to accentuate my neutrality.

Mental health in this country is indisputably at breaking point but the elected can sit until midnight discussing a foreign flag being flown but they can’t look after or fight for those who need it.

Then they agree on a controversial flag which everyone knows will only go on to divide. Instead of looking at the issues closer to home.

United Nations Day of Solidarity was on Saturday 29th. Not today.

It's pointless virtue signalling and only serves to rile up all the usual suspects and for people on both sides to engage in "whataboutery".

Absolutely agree Brainstorm. The big things are left to slide into the abyss but we all focus on the flag.

Have just watched the video from the New Republican Movement also on BBC News. Not sure it being televised is anyway similar to my original post but for those who feel ROI is oppressed by the British or feel they are in any way similar to the Palestinians, maybe take a look.

it is controversial widely in the island of Ireland.

I would agree with this too.

(We also had one on the City Chambers in Glasgow)

When it comes to flags the English are amateurs. It would be good if Northern Ireland could become a flag free zone.

No town hall should be flying any flag than the one of its nation.

@Abbie7327
those who feel ROI is oppressed by the British or feel they are in any way similar to the Palestinians,..

What are you getting at? The parallels are of British Invasion, occupation, colonisation and two distinct genocides committed by the British against the Irish in modern history.

The present day of NI or ROI is not being compared to the situation the Palestinians have been facing since 1948.

I agree. Seems such a shame to bring this kind of thing to Belfast when there has been (is!) so much division over our own flags.

There is a Catholic/Nationalist majority in NI now. Times are changing. We have to be seen as inclusive. There have been Palestinian marches taking place for years now which shows the huge support people have for Palestine. This has to be represented in some form. Most Catholics/Republicans are probably unhappy with the union flag flying the rest of the year but they suck it up. It's one day. I think it would have been best ignored by the loyalists rather than protested. Normal service will resume tomorrow.

Also like to add that Unionists have had it all their own way for generations..of course this demographic change is going to upset them.

Ann McClure, TUV who brought the case to court could not appear as she is away on holiday 😁😁
You really couldn't make it up. They spend their lives looking for something to be offended by. How many of these ridiculous cases has Jamie won?
Riots in Ballymena because of an alleged attack by 'foreigners' on a young girl, no charges brought. Yet Jeffrey Donaldson, William Walker, William Ball amongst other barely raise comment from the same people.

In NI, communities seem to always find something to be divisive about.
If it wasn’t this, it’d be something else. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I do agree to a certain extent but I also place the majority of the blame on political parties in NI. They have no interest in creating a shared society. Normal people go about their business but the political parties seem intent on continued division.