Fire engine stolen by Israel at centre of growing diplomatic row

Twenty MPs have signed an open letter calling for Israeli authorities to release a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters.

Israel: release the fire engine

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members in Scotland donated a fire engine last year, packed with firefighting kit, equipment, and medical supplies, and arranged delivery to the port of Ashdod to be transported to Nablus in the West Bank.

It has been impounded by Israeli customs at the port since July 2024 despite having the necessary paperwork.

In November, firefighters and supporters held a demonstration outside the London embassy to demand the release of the fire engine. At the time, the then-FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said:

Firefighters in Palestine are working to save lives in horrifying conditions. As humanitarians, we cannot stand by while lives are being lost. It is appalling that life-saving equipment donated by our members is being held by Israeli customs while Palestinian firefighters are in desperate need of resources.

The Fire Brigades Union calls on the Israeli government to release the donated fire engine immediately, and for the UK government to take any necessary action to ensure this aid is delivered safely.

The letter, signed by firefighters, trade unionists and MPs, calls for the immediate release of the fire engine so that it can be safely delivered to aid firefighters in Nablus.

The full statement reads:

“As firefighters and fire and rescue service workers, members of the Fire Brigades Union, other trade unionists, Members of Parliament and campaigners for justice and human rights, we are calling for safe release of the fire engine sent by FBU Scotland to aid Palestinian firefighters – but impounded by the Israeli authorities.

“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. We add our voices to this call, so that the fire engine can be used for its intended purpose, to help firefighters in Palestine save lives.”