TURNING UP HEAT

Fury as life-saving gear bound for Palestine still impounded by Israeli authorities eight months on

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

MSPs are demanding Israel releases a fire engine sent from Scotland to help save lives in Palestine.

The engine, breathing apparatus and other kit was shipped 3500 miles from Dundee and arrived at the Israeli port of Ashdod last July.

However it is understood to have been impounded by Israeli authorities since.

Furious Fire Brigades Union officials are urging the Foreign Office to step in and negotiate its release from customs.

A motion lodged with the Scottish Parliament by Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba and backed by several MSPs has also demanded the Scottish Government press Israeli authorities on the issue.

It called for Parliament to express “deep concern” over the seizure of the equipment.