Hundreds of protesters gathered around Sheffield town hall in support of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

The rally saw a number of speakers including members from the Green Party, BLM, and trade union representatives.

Councillor Angela Argenzio, Chair of the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee for the Sheffield Green Party said: “This protest is really important as Sheffield has a sizable Palestinian population, so this is very much part of our community.

“And when the flag was raised there was a complete lack of awareness of how upsetting that would be for a huge part of our community.”

On 10 October, Sheffield City Council decided to raise an Israeli flag at the city hall. 

Protestors outside of Sheffield Town Hall

This sparked a huge reaction from the Sheffield community, and led to two protestors climbing the 200 ft building to retrieve the flag.

The incident was filmed and posted on social media, where the video received 2.6 million views. 

Annie O’Gara, member of the Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: “Our city has been disgraced by the council putting up the flag. It’s not their city, it’s our city, it’s my city, it’s your city, and they have no right to do that.”

The Leader of the Sheffield City Council, Tom Hunt, addressed the removal of the flag in a recent press release.

He said: “Everyone has the right to a safe and peaceful protest but we cannot support the events that took place during the protest outside Sheffield’s Town Hall. Protestors put themselves and others in serious danger.”

The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign have planned another rally this Saturday opposite the City Hall, which they hope will attract more people to come and show their support.