Gaza condolence book bid unlikely to get all-party approval at City Hall
BELFAST City Council is unlikely to open a book of condolence for those killed on the Gaza Strip because of a lack of cross-party support.
Both the SDLP and Sinn Fein have submitted formal requests for the move, which would require the agreement of all political parties.
It is understood both the main unionist parties do not support the move.
Palestinian health officials say more than 100 Palestinians have been killed and 10,000 injured by Israeli troops over the past six weeks in protests along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
Almost 60 protesters died on Monday alone, when around 50,000 took part in demonstrations coinciding with the controversial relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
Protests condemning the actions of the Israeli forces have taken place across the island of Ireland, and around the world, in recent days.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Sinn Fein group leader at Belfast City Council, Deirdre Hargey, called on the council’s chief executive, Suzanne Wylie, to contact other parties “immediately” with regards to their request.
“I have requested that a book of condolence be opened in Belfast City Hall for the victims of the massacre carried out by Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians in Gaza,” she said.
“I hope that the other parties on Belfast City Council will support this request that will allow Belfast citizens to show their solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
The SDLP had already filed a similar request earlier on Tuesday, which council group leader Tim Attwood said was to “mark the killings and injuries inflicted on the people of Gaza and to show sympathy for the loss of life”.
“I believe the people of Belfast are horrified at the appalling scenes in Gaza which have cost too many lives,” he added.
“People in Belfast want to express their condolences and sympathies to all those who have been killed or maimed.”
Alliance’s Michael Long said his party would support opening a book of condolence after Monday’s “tragic” scenes on the Gaza Strip.
“Regardless of your political persuasion, the loss of lives in such circumstances needs to be recognised,” he added.
Both the Ulster Unionist party and the DUP did not respond to a request for comment.
It is understood an email outlining the requests for a book of condolence to be opened has been sent to all parties by council officials.
Derry City and Strabane District Council opened a book of condolence in the Guildhall yesterday.
Mayor Maoliosa McHugh said: “Monday was the bloodiest day in Gaza since 2014 and it’s imperative that we provide the people of Derry City and Strabane District Council area with a forum to express their sympathy and voice their opposition to the violence.”
Meanwhile, Israel and Turkey exchanged diplomatic barbs as the spat between the former allies escalated following the deadly violence.
A day after it expelled the Israeli ambassador, Turkey also asked Israel’s consul general in Istanbul to leave. Israel, in turn, summoned a top Turkish diplomat to be reprimanded for the humiliation of Israel’s ambassador as he was kicked out of the country.
The exchanges came less than two years after the countries reconciled and exchanged ambassadors after six years of animosity.