Green Party councillors in Bolton faced criticism after requesting permission to fly the Palestinian flag on October 7, coinciding with the third anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel. The request, made during a council meeting on Wednesday, aimed to raise the flag over the town’s central library in recognition of Palestinian Independence Day on November 15.

Ismail Ibrahim, a Green councillor, introduced the proposal with support from fellow Green councillor Baggy Khan. The motion called for the flag to be flown "in solidarity with the Palestinian people." However, the timing of the request sparked significant controversy. Akhtar Zaman, the Labour leader of Bolton council, opposed the measure, describing the date as “inappropriate” given that October 7 marks the anniversary of a Hamas attack in 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages in Israel.

The council meeting grew disorderly as members and the public exchanged heated remarks. Members of the public in attendance shouted opposition to the flag being raised on the building. During the discussion, Mr. Ibrahim frequently interrupted Mr. Zaman, prompting another councillor to accuse him of “disorderly conduct and disrespect to the mayor.” In response, Green councillors staged a walkout in protest and later issued a statement accusing the council leader of bias.

The Greens emphasized a call for equal recognition, noting that the Ukrainian flag has been flown above Bolton’s central library since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The statement highlighted the suffering of Palestinian civilians, questioning the apparent lack of compassion given to Palestinian families affected by conflict, and affirmed condemnation of violence against both Israeli civilians and Palestinians.

Outside Bolton town hall, around 50 protesters gathered to oppose the proposal to raise the Palestinian flag. In a video posted on social media, Mr. Ibrahim pointed to the ongoing display of the Ukrainian flag as a precedent, saying, “We’ve got the Ukrainian flag been flying for the last four years and we’re asking for the Palestinian flag to be flown high.” Mr. Khan added that while people are entitled to their own opinions, the councillors intended to stand in support of Palestine.

Mr. Zaman noted that the council’s policy on flying flags from civic buildings is to be reviewed in an upcoming all-party discussion group, suggesting that the current debate is part of a broader, ongoing conversation within the council.