Condemnation for Belfast Council motion urging expulsion of Israeli ambassadors

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has responded to the passing of a motion by Belfast City Council urging British and Irish Governments to expel Israeli ambassadors.

Marie said: “The refusal of the proposers of this motion to even condemn Hamas terrorist rockets aimed at Israel’s Jewish and Arab civilians speaks to the motivations behind this political grandstanding. The greatest contribution those outside the region can make is supporting those who recognise the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians. Having had to face its own difficult conflict, it is particularly sad to see Belfast city councillors voting to expel ambassadors and curtailing dialogue, rather than taking steps aimed at helping to resolve conflict. We hope that Belfast City Council reflects again on where its own experiences of this path has led and decides to take a different approach.”