Glasgow City Council is to fly the Palestinian flag from the City Chambers on Friday 8 August as a mark of support for the people of Gaza

Councillor Archie Graham, Depute Leader of the Council, said: "The decision to fly the Palestinian flag on Friday, 8 August, is intended to show our support for the innocent people who are being hurt in Gaza.

"It is not intended to show support for one side or the other in this conflict.

"The Lord Provost has written to the Mayor of Bethlehem, which is twinned with Glasgow, to offer condolences to the many people in the city and throughout Palestine who have been affected.

"We are hopeful that an immediate, enduring and peaceful resolution can be found to this conflict."

The council has offered a meeting with the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council.

The letter to the Mayor of Bethlehem from Glasgow's Lord Provost, Councillor Sadie Docherty, said:

"As Lord Provost of Glasgow I write in response to the statement issued by Bethlehem City Council in relation to the ongoing violence in Gaza. I offer heartfelt sympathy to the people of Gaza who are suffering during this most recent outbreak of violence.

"Glasgow is home to many friends of Palestine and this is a deeply distressing time for them. They represent a variety of ethnicities, political persuasions, faiths and none. However, they are united by a common desire to support the Palestinian people.

"In solidarity with Bethlehem and Palestine, Glasgow City Council will raise the Palestinian flag on Friday 8th August. We hope that peace can be found to ensure the human rights for the people of Palestine.

"I assure you that Glasgow's twinning arrangement with Bethlehem is held in the highest esteem and we hope to use this link to continue to strengthen our cultural links and develop further opportunities for our citizens. Glasgow values relationships where we can look forward to enriching lives, building ties based on mutual respect and a fundamental commitment to extending equality of opportunity for all citizens.

"I would like to convey my most sincere condolences to the many in your city and throughout Palestine, who have been affected by this conflict. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you and we are hopeful that an immediate, enduring and peaceful resolution can be found to this conflict."

The flag will be flown from 8am until 5pm on Friday, 8 August 2014.