THE Palestine flag flew proudly yesterday over Glasgow City Chambers as Scotland prepared for a weekend of demonstrations in support of the people of Gaza, Palestine.

In a letter to the mayor of Bethlehem in the West Bank, with which Glasgow has been twinned since 2007, Lord Provost councillor Sadie Docherty said: “We hope that peace can be found to ensure the human rights for the people of Palestine.

“Glasgow is home to many friends of Palestine and this is a deeply distressing time for them. They represent a variety of ethnicities, political persuasions, faiths and none. 

“However, they are united by a common desire to support the Palestinian people.”

Scottish campaigners for Palestine welcomed the move by Glasgow council.

“Israel’s actions in Gaza are not defensive,” said Scottish Friends of Palestine secretary Hugh Humphries.

“The City of Glasgow has long recognised the humanity of the Palestinian people, it has long recognised their rights. 

“The flag of Palestine flying over Glasgow sends out this clear message to Benjamin Netanyahu and his criminal associates.”

Fife and Aberdeen councils have also announced they will fly the Palestine flag in solidarity and other councils are likely to follow suit.

Thousands are expected to gather at The Mound in the centre of Edinburgh at 2pm today with demonstrations also planned in Aberdeen and other Scottish cities. 

A mass demonstration for Gaza will also take place in London with marchers beginning at BBC headquarters at noon before passing the US embassy.