A BASINGSTOKE resident has been left ‘completely appalled’ after the borough council flew the flag of Israel in the wake of the ongoing conflict.

Sam Hett contacted the Gazette concerned about the issue after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) flew the Israel flag.

On Saturday, October 7, dozens of armed fighters from the Palestinian armed group Hamas crossed into Israel from Gaza and more than 1,400 Israelis were killed.

Israel responded with air strikes into Gaza, saying it was targeting Hamas. Many Palestinians in Gaza have been killed or injured in the airstrikes.

Israel then began a ground war in Gaza, with soldiers fighting inside the territory.

READ MORE: Former teacher who formed 'inappropriate' friendship with student avoids ban

In an email to the council and the Gazette, Sam said: “To display the Israeli flag in the middle of an escalated war between a civilian population occupied by force and militarised state is not a neutral statement of solidarity, but a performative and hollow act of superficial virtue signalling that will weaken trust and undermine the credibility of BDBC.”

She continued: “The council’s flying of the flag demonstrates its defence of Israel’s actions, rather than condemning the mass killings of innocent Palestinians.

“Why have BDBC not flown a flag for Palestine to show solidarity and reflect the same sentiments to the thousands of lives lost not only in the recent attacks but since 1948. 

“Many councils in Britain have chosen not to fly the Israeli flag, why did BDBC not take the same stance or alternatively, why did BDBC not also fly a Palestinian flag to show solidarity and support to the Palestinian people too. There is a clear disparity here.”

SEE ALSO: 203 homes, pre-school and medical centre approved to regenerate part of Basingstoke

She added: “As a resident of Basingstoke, I unequivocally condemn any innocent lives being lost. My values and beliefs are unequivocal in the condemnation of the killing of innocent children, women and elderly. I uphold the principles of compassion, mercy and the sanctity of human life.”

The 40-year-old also contacted Basingstoke MP Maria Miller who did not respond.

Council leader Cllr Paul Harvey said: “Following the initial terrorist attacks on Israel, the council flew the Israeli flag from Tuesday 10 October until Friday 13 October at the Civic Offices. This was in line with government guidance for public buildings to fly it for that period under the Union Flag.

“The attack on Israel was shocking and truly horrific, and our hearts go out to the victims.

“The ongoing violence affecting civilians in both Gaza and Israel is so appalling and distressing. The Israeli-Palestinian crisis is decades old and incredibly complex. What we know is that right now civilians in both communities are paying a heavy price for that conflict.

“I believe Israel has a right to exist in peace and security and the two-state solution is the only one that offers lasting peace.

"The work toward peace must continue and this begins with an immediate ceasefire."

On Saturday, November 4. Basingstoke residents took a stand and protested by Church Square calling for ceasefire and ending the mass genocide.

The Gazette contacted Dame Maria for a comment but was told that the borough council were best placed to provide a response.