Firefighters to protest outside Israeli embassy demanding release of fire engine donation

Firefighters to protest outside Israeli embassy demanding release of fire engine donation Firefighters will hold a protest at the Israeli embassy in London tonight, calling for the release of a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters which has been impounded by Israeli authorities since August. Members of the Fire Brigades Union in Scotland sourced a fire engine, stocked with lifesaving equipment including firefighting kit and PPE, breathing apparatus and medical supplies, and arranged shipment to the West Bank to assist with rescues. The engine has been transported 3,500 miles, with firefighters driving it from Dundee to Southampton, where it was shipped to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The donation arrived with the necessary paperwork but has remained impounded by customs for months. Fire Brigades Union members will deliver a letter to the Israeli ambassador, signed by the FBU executive council, calling for the fire engine to be granted immediate entry to Palestine. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “Firefighters in Palestine are working to save lives in horrifying conditions.



As humanitarians, we cannot stand by while lives are being lost. 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.

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