Oldham council leader Arooj Shah has condemned violence inflicted on the people of Israel as the borough raises the ‘peace flag’ above the civic centre, following attacks.
In a statement, the council leader went on to condemn "violence against innocent people from all sides".
The black and white flag includes the borough’s Coat of Arms on a white background, with the words ‘Peace and Respect’ written above.
The flag has been flown in the past on occasions such as the anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing.
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The Peace Flag is flown each year to observe the International Day of Peace on September 21.
It is also flown on other occasions to be determined by the chief executive, in consultation with the leader of the council.
The UK Government has released special instructions allowing UK Government buildings to fly the Israel flag and to light up buildings or monuments from October 8 until 8pm on October 10.
However, local authorities are not bound by the request.
“Violence against innocent people from all sides should absolutely be condemned”
Cllr Shah said: “Nobody can watch or hear about the violence that was inflicted on the people of Israel without being horrified.
“Such acts of violence against innocent people from all sides should absolutely be condemned. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these terrible events.
“My greatest hope is that a way forward can be found so that everyone in the region can live in peace alongside each other, with a sense of security and without fear of violence.
“This week Oldham Council will be flying the borough’s Peace Flag in recognition of the impact of terrorism and war on communities across the world.”
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Violence in the region
The flying of the flag comes after violence in Israel, including a massacre of attendees at the Supernova music festival by Hamas in the early hours of Saturday, October 7. Hamas, which is considered the dominant political force in Gaza, is designated a terrorist organization by several governments, including the UK.
Israeli officials say about 100 people from the country are being held hostage inside Gaza.
Rescue agency Zaka says more than 260 bodies have been recovered from the music festival site.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, saying authorities will cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel.
Israel has previously reported 900 soldiers and civilians killed, and Palestinian authorities have reported about 700 deaths in Gaza and the West Bank.
The United Nations said more than 187,500 people have been displaced in Gaza since the escalation of the conflict.
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