British firefighters demand donation release outside Israeli embassy

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
21 Nov 2024 14:08

FBU members delivered a letter to the Israeli ambassador, signed by the union's executive council, urging the immediate release of the fire engine destined for the occupied West Bank.

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Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) protest outside the Israeli embassy in London, on November 18, 2024 (Fire Brigades Union website)

Firefighters staged a protest outside the Israeli embassy in London on November 18, demanding the release of a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters that has been seized by Israeli occupation authorities since August.

The fire engine, equipped with lifesaving tools including firefighting gear, personal protective equipment (PPE), breathing apparatus, and medical supplies, was sourced by members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Scotland and was intended to support rescue efforts in the occupied West Bank.

Firefighters drove the vehicle over 3,500 miles from Dundee to Southampton, where it was shipped to the Israeli-occupied port of Ashdod. Despite arriving with the required documentation, the donation has remained seized by customs for several months.

FBU members delivered a letter to the Israeli ambassador, signed by the union's executive council, urging the immediate release of the fire engine.

British firefighters staged a vigil outside the US embassy in London to demand the Scottish fire engine along with vital equipment be allowed into the Gaza Strip, after being impounded since August 2024. pic.twitter.com/wqelb944C9
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) November 20, 2024

"Firefighters in Palestine are working to save lives in horrifying conditions. As humanitarians, we cannot stand by while lives are being lost," said Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union's general secretary.

He underlined that "it is appalling that life-saving equipment donated by our members is being held by Israeli customs while Palestinian firefighters are in desperate need of resources."

"The Fire Brigades Union calls on the Israeli government to release the donated fire engine immediately, and for the UK government to take any necessary action to ensure this aid is delivered safely.”

In his letter to the Israeli ambassador, Wrack highlighted that "the majority of the British public support a ceasefire, as does the Fire Brigades Union," noting that the FBU "has a long tradition of solidarity and good relations with firefighters in Palestine."

"These actions are indefensible. We insist that this life-saving equipment be immediately granted entry to begin assisting the humanitarian and lifesaving actions of Palestinian firefighters."