UK firefighters protest at embassy over seized Palestinian fire engine

Firefighters held a protest earlier this week at the Embassy of Israel in London over a Palestinian fire engine which was impounded by Israeli authorities three months ago.

The fire engine was sourced by firefighters in Scotland before being stocked with lifesaving equipment and driven to Southampton, where it boarded a ship bound for the Israeli port of Ashdod.

But the engine and its cargo, which included firefighting kit and PPE, breathing apparatus and medical supplies, never reached their West Bank destination.

Despite arriving with the necessary paperwork, the fire engine has remained impounded by Israeli customs since August.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) travelled to the embassy on 18 November to deliver a letter to the Israeli ambassador, signed by the FBU executive council, calling for the fire engine to be immediately released to Palestine.

“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.”

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:

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