Call for release of donated fire engine

An open letter signed by firefighters, other trade unionists and MPs, has called for the immediate release of a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters by members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Scotland.

The fire engine was donated last year with delivery arranged to the port of Ashdod to be transported to Nablus in the West Bank.

But despite having the necessary paperwork, the vehicle has been impounded by Israeli customs at the port since July last year.

Organised by members of the FBU and the UNISON public services union, the letter has 450 signatories, including those of 20 MPs.

The letter states that it is calling for the safe release of the fire engine sent to aid Palestinian firefighters.

It says: “This appliance, packed with firefighting kit, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, cutting tools and medical supplies, was sent for use by the Palestinian fire and rescue service in Nablus, in the West Bank. It has been held in the Israeli port of Ashdod since July 2024.

“In November London firefighters and supporters demonstrated outside the Israeli embassy to demand its release."

The signatories say they are adding their voices to this call, "so that the fire engine can be used for its intended purpose, to help firefighters in Palestine save lives”.