Lord Provost urged to fly Palestinian flag on UN day of solidarity
The Lord Provost said they will continue to adopt neutral colours while attempts are made to find a lasting resolution to the conflict.
A demonstration is to be held outside the Town House in Aberdeen following the Lord Provost David Cameron's decision not to fly the Palestinian flag.
Today marks the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and it's understood Aberdeen City Council have flown the Palestinian flag on this day since 2013.
Mr Cameron has decided to fly the City Flag as a way of demonstrating Aberdeen is always on the "side of peace".
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign Aberdeen, who have organised the event, alongside partner organisations, North East CND, Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre and Aberdeen Social Centre, have written to the Lord Provost calling for him to reconsider.
The Lord Provost David Cameron said: "Like people across the world, I have looked on with a great sense of sorrow at the unfolding tragedy in the Middle East. Since the attack on Israel on October 7 and the resulting spread of violence across Gaza, as Lord Provost I have chosen to fly our City Flag.
"Aberdeen will always be on the side of peace, and I believe the best way to demonstrate this is by continuing to adopt neutral colours while attempts are made to find a lasting resolution to the conflict."
Fiona Napier of Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign said she was appalled by the decision, stressing Aberdeen has a "proud tradition of international solidarity" and has urged the Lord Provost to continue the tradition in a "time of greatest need".
She said: “We are utterly shocked by this decision. Flying the flag is meant to be a civic action, not a political one.
“Palestinians are being murdered in their thousands by Israeli occupation forces, yet the Lord Provost, has taken the shocking decision to break with the tradition of the last 10 years and has confirmed that he will not fly the flag.
“He has cited the need for consistency. However, there is a UN day for the Palestinian People because they are an oppressed people living under a brutal military occupation. There is no UN Day for Israel because Israel is a state, and one in breach of numerous UN resolutions."
A petition was launched just two days ago and has already received 1,300 signatures.