Public buildings in Norfolk lit up amid show of support for Israel
It comes as 900 Israelis have been killed in attacks involving Hamas militants - with 800 Palestinians also killed in response
West Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council have lit public buildings in the colours of the Israeli flag as a show of support following Hamas’ terrorist attack on the country.
The Corn Exchange on the Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn and City Hall was be illuminated in blue and white last night
The move is intended to show support for the victims of the assault unleashed by Hamas over the weekend, which saw at least 900 Israelis killed and 2,000 people injured.
Dozens of Israelis have also been kidnapped, including children and young people.
At least 800 Palestinians have also been killed, including civilians within the Gaza Strip itself.
It is currently unclear whether other councils around the county will follow Norwich and West Norfolk in making the gesture.
North Norfolk District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Breckland have not responded to requests for comment.
Norwich and West Norfolk councils have illuminated their buildings several times in the past for causes, including in the colours of the Ukrainian flag following the Russian invasion.
Some of the other Norfolk councils have lit up their properties to show support during previous conflicts and for various causes.
Cromer Pier, in north Norfolk, has previously been lit in blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine and in green to mark recycling week in 2020.
Broadland and South Norfolk district councils and Norfolk County Council have said they lack the ability to light up their offices.
Work underway at Norwich Castle – which is owned by the county council – has prevented the authority from lighting that building.
Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the attack on Israel, and we share the widely held concerns over the devastating impact of the ongoing violence.
“I have also written to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK to convey our support.”
Several prominent landmarks around the country have already displayed the Israeli flag, including 10 Downing Street, while London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the capital’s City Hall will be lit up.