A joint operation between the International Fire and Rescue Association (IFRA) and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will see a fire engine be donated to firefighters in Palestine.

IFRA is based in Dunfermline and have previously donated an ambulance to boost efforts to help Ukraine, and has deployed teams to South America to train volunteer firefighters there in the past.

The latest initiative with the FBU will see a surplus fire appliance donated by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, fitted out with modern firefighting equipment. It will then be delivered to the Palestinian Fire and Rescue Service later this year.

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David Kay, chair of IFRA, said: “We picked it up in Dundee maybe two weeks ago, and we’re in the process now of trying to convert it to left hand side drive.”

Dunfermline Press: The appliance will be heading to Palestine.The appliance will be heading to Palestine. (Image: David Kay)

In terms of when the appliance will be sent to Palestine, David added: “There isn’t a timeframe the now, but it’s likely to be in the next few months.

“It’s a much-needed appliance.”

Jim Malone, a former firefighter and FBU official who coordinates the union's work on Palestine, said: “The situation in Gaza is appalling. The people are being subjected to unimaginable horrors on a daily basis. There is an urgent need for supplies to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded.

“Our comrades in the Palestinian Fire and Rescue Service battle every hour to save lives as the Israeli Government continues its collective punishment of the civilian population. Whilst carrying out their duties they have come under sustained attacks from Israeli forces.

“We hope that the delivery of this fire appliance later this year will help protect the lives of innocent men, women and children but our greatest hope is for a permanent peace and justice for the people of Palestine.”