FBU Scotland Condemns Actions of Israeli Military

THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION SCOTLAND

…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…

For Immediate Release

Monday, 31 May 2010

FBU Condemns Actions of Israeli Military

The Fire Brigades Union Scotland condemns in the strongest and most unequivocal terms the murder of innocent civilians by Israeli military forces today. Included in the flotilla of humanitarian aid were 30 sets of firekit gifted to the people of Palestine by the kindness of Scottish Fire & Rescue Services. The second-hand kit had been replaced by more modern equipment in Scotland but would still be able to serve a valuable purpose with Palestinian firefighters by allowing them to enter into a burning building with a greater degree of protection than before.

The FBU in Scotland recently hosted 8 firefighters from Nablus who were in Scotland to receive specialist training. That visit, supported by the Scottish Government and many of the Fire and Rescue services in Scotland allowed FBU officials to hear first hand the difficulties faced by there colleagues in Palestine. 70 firefighters in Nablus cover a population of 350,000 and have 10 sets of fire gear and only one set of hydraulic rescue equipment. The FBU have been supported by the Scottish services in attempting to get vital supplied into areas where it is desperately needed. The FBU had hoped that the flotilla sailing to Gaza would be able to deliver our contribution.

Regional Secretary, John Duffy commented, “We had expected to hear that our supplies had not been allowed to enter Palestine but clearly we are faced now with news that is much, much worse. The fact that we can’t get aid through is bad enough but the loss of life and the numbers who have died is an appalling act of brutality. We know the Scottish people will be reviled by this and hope that this might be the point at which the civilised world says no more.”

Roddy Robertson the FBU Executive Council member for Scotland added, “This is another in a long line of events where Israel ignores the consensus of the civilised world. The apartheid government there has imprisoned an entire population. The STUC has called for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions and these actions today not only reinforce that call but show the need for the worlds Governments to isolate the state of Israel they way they did with South Africa.

The other FBU regional officials joined the condemnation, Gavin Barrie saying, “this was an act of piracy and should be treated as such”, and Jim Malone adding, “we have some very good friends in Palestine, ordinary people who want an ordinary life, the blockade is disgraceful and the events today disgusting.”

The FBU will continue to try and get firefighting equipment and supplies into Palestine.

For All Further Information Contact:

John Duffy – FBU Scotland Regional Secretary Mobile: 07801-047618
Robby Robertson – FBU Scotland EC Member Mobile: 07801-047601