Updated 8.25pm

A PEOPLE BEFORE Profit Councillor has removed the Israeli flag from Dun Laoghaire Harbour in Dublin in protest against the country’s air assault on Gaza.

The flag was put up as part of a European sailing competition but People Before Profit said numerous requests have been made for it to be removed.

“Despite a stream of calls and pleas from the public in Dun Laoghaire to have the flag taken down as a mark of respect for the dead, injured and traumatised in Gaza, the Harbour Company has so far refused,” Councillor Hugh Lewis said.

I have received dozens of calls from constituents who are disgusted that the Israeli state flag is flying at a time of so much brutality and violence and while war crimes are being perpetrated by that state on the Palestinian people.

Lewis said that he and a number of other pro-Palestinian activists took down the flag themselves yesterday.

A pro-Palestinian protest is also taking place in Dublin this afternoon to show support for the people of Gaza. A similar rally in Dublin last week saw 1,500 people take to the streets.

Originally published 2.30pm