Fire engine donated to Palestine by Scottish firefighters remains impounded in Israel
Iain Hoey
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Fire engine donation to Palestine held at Israeli customs for six months
A fire engine donated by Scottish firefighters to assist emergency response efforts in the West Bank has been held at Israeli customs for over six months, according to The National.
The vehicle, sourced and stocked by members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Scotland, was driven from Dundee to Southampton before being shipped to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Despite arriving with the required paperwork, the engine has remained impounded by Israeli customs, prompting calls for its release.
FBU calls on UK government to intervene
The Fire Brigades Union has urged the UK Foreign Office to take action to secure the release of the fire engine.
FBU Scotland Executive Council member Colin Brown told The Daily Record: “It is unforgivable that this emergency equipment is being withheld by the Netanyahu government.
The Foreign Secretary should be demanding the immediate release of this vital life-saving equipment that has been donated by the FBU.
The Israeli government cannot get away with such vindictive and cruel actions.”
SNP MP Stephen Gethins has reportedly contacted the Israeli ambassador regarding the matter.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also been approached about the issue.
Call for urgent action amid humanitarian concerns
FBU official and former firefighter Jim Malone has emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for emergency equipment in the West Bank.
Malone said: “It is outrageous that this much-needed emergency equipment is still being held by the Israeli authorities.
With a ceasefire in place the need for this equipment is urgent.
The British Government must insist that the Israeli Government lift the blockade of the FBU’s donation so that it can contribute to relieving the humanitarian crisis on the ground.”
Fire engine donation: Summary
A fire engine donated by Scottish firefighters to the West Bank has been held by Israeli customs for over six months.
The vehicle, stocked with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and medical supplies, was shipped to Israel with the required documentation but has not been released.
The Fire Brigades Union has called on the UK Foreign Office to intervene.
FBU representatives, including Colin Brown and Jim Malone, have condemned the delay, urging the British government to take action.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have also been contacted regarding the issue.
