Suprovat exclusive: Canterbury-Bankstown City Council has decided to fly the Palestinian flag in Sydney, supporting the local community and Gaza people until a ceasefire is declared. Labor federal Minister Hon Tony Burke MP supports the decision, expecting it to be more widespread. Councillor Khodr Saleh tabled a motion at the Canterbury-Bankstown Council meeting calling for the Palestinian flag to be raised at both Paul Keating Park in Bankstown and the Campsie Administration building. In the motion, Saleh asked for the flag to be flown “in support of the Palestinian people” until a ceasefire is declared “in the current humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza”. The decision comes after Randwick Council backflipped on its decision to fly the Palestinian flag “given the current conflict” with Israel and Hamas. ” Clr Bilal El-Hayek, Mayor, extends our sympathies to all those affected by the violence in Israel and Gaza and in particular the families in our area who have lost loved ones. “We reassert our commitment to stand against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia wherever it occurs.” Clr Saleh said the move was a ‘mark of respect for the city of Canterbury-Bankstown to convey our condolences for more than 5000 Palestinians, nearly half of them are children who have been killed’ (pictured: protesters hold a giant Palestinian flag at a rally in Sydney)