What You Need to Know
• Hackney Council is set to vote on a motion to end its twinning with Haifa, Israel.
• The twinning agreement, established on July 26, 1968, has been inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Green Party, which now controls Hackney Council, has advocated for the de-twinning due to the Gaza conflict.
Hackney Council, led by the Green Party, is scheduled to vote on a motion to terminate its twinning agreement with Haifa, Israel, after nearly 60 years. The twinning declaration, made on July 26, 1968, was intended to foster cultural exchanges between the two cities. However, the council has stated that the agreement has been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic and will not be re-engaged while conflict continues in Gaza. The push for de-twinning gained momentum during the May local elections, where the Green Party’s pro-Palestine stance became a focal point. The motion has faced criticism from Jewish groups in England, and Hackney Council has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Why It Matters
The proposed de-twinning of Hackney from Haifa reflects broader tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in light of recent escalations in violence. The Hackney Palestinian Solidarity Campaign initiated a petition in 2024 to end the partnership, citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The council’s decision to review its twinning arrangements follows intensified public calls for action after a United Nations report accused Israeli forces of violating international law. This situation highlights the intersection of local governance and international human rights issues, illustrating how local councils can respond to global events.
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