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Uproar at invitations to Gaza-twinning ceremony

September 22, 2011 11:32
Tears in Gaza: a Palestinian girl weeps during the funeral of her brother who was killed during a raid by the Israeli Air force this week (Photo: Getty Images)

By

Jessica Elgot,

Jessica Elgot

1 min read

The chairman of Northern Ireland's smallest district council has drawn national criticism for apparently inviting the Mayor of Gaza and members of Gaza City Council to take part in a "twinning ceremony" without consulting fellow councillors.

Padraig McShane, an Independent councillor and chairman of Moyle District Council in Country Antrim has spearheaded the plan to twin Moyle with Gaza and invited members of that city's municipal council to visit.

Last year he drove to the Palestinian city to deliver medical aid and was pictured with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The six invitees include the Mayor of Gaza, Rafiq Mekki.

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