Plans to twin the cities of Worcester and Gaza have been scrapped.

Worcester City councillors had approved a sister-city motion last month, saying residents felt strongly about January’s conflict and wanted to send a “personal message” of support.

But at a meeting on Monday, Worcester Twinning Association, an independent body which makes the final decision, rejected the proposal.

Its executive committee said there were insufficient resources to take on the “complex arrangements” needed to set up a “meaningful relationship” or active link.

Nevill Swanson, chairman of the association, said: “We appreciate the understandable desire to express sympathy with the sufferings of the people, and especially the children, of Gaza City but do not believe that a twinning arrangement is the most appropriate or practical means of meeting their humanitarian needs.

“This proposal does not meet the criteria for a genuinely successful twinning at the present time.”