Confusion reigns over whether Palestine flag will fly from Belfast City Hall on Saturday, as pushed by Sinn Fein

Whether the Palestinian flag will fly from Belfast City Hall this weekend remains a mystery, despite a Sinn Fein-led push to make it happen.

Council officials say flying the flag is an “ongoing process”, even though it’s supposed to take place on Saturday for an international “day of solidarity with the Palestinian people”.

placeholder image — The Palestine flag was due to fly over Belfast City Hall on Saturday, the same day a 2,000-strong pro-Palestine march is due to parade to the building.

The move, submitted by Sinn Fein, passed at the start of this month despite huge opposition from unionists.

The DUP, UUP and TUV jointly called in the decision, challenging the grounds on which it was made. According to the council, the call-in “process is ongoing”.

Asked to confirm whether the flag will fly as was planned, a council spokesman said “it would not be appropriate to comment further at this this time” due to the ongoing call-in.

According to the Parades Commission, around 2,000 people from the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign are due to march from Donegall Street to city hall on Saturday, starting shortly after 1pm. Around 2,000 supporters are also expected.