Gaza (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 30 January 2026
– Belfast City Council has approved the relocation of a prominent mural
depicting Palestine refugees from its current location on the International
Wall to a new site within the city. The decision follows complaints and a review
process initiated by local residents and councillors. The mural, part of a
series on global solidarity themes, will be preserved and moved to maintain its
historical value while addressing community concerns.
Council officials confirmed the move aims to balance
artistic expression with public space usage. The process involves consultation
with artists and community groups.
Council Decision on Mural Relocation Process
Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Committee voted 8-2 on 29 January 2026 to relocate the mural, installed in 2024 as part of the Lower Falls Road art initiative. The artwork, showing Palestinian refugees with the slogan "From Gaza to Belfast," drew complaints over its political content amid heightened Middle East tensions.
A council spokesperson stated the relocation preserves the
piece while finding a "more suitable context." The new site, yet to
be finalised, will be on council-owned property away from residential areas.
Artists from the People’s Gallery group, responsible for the International Wall
series, received formal notification.
The decision followed a December 2025 review prompted by 150
petition signatures from local residents citing "division and
intimidation." Councillors debated alternatives, including covering or
modifying the mural, but opted for relocation.
Background to the Mural’s Installation and Controversy
The International Wall on Divis Street features murals since
the 1980s, addressing Irish republican themes and international solidarity causes.
The Palestine refugee mural replaced a previous artwork on the Yemen conflict
in summer 2024, commissioned by local artists amid Israel-Gaza war coverage.
Supporters viewed it as solidarity with Palestinian
civilians displaced since October 2023. Critics, including unionist politicians
and residents, argued it breached council neutrality policies on foreign
conflicts in public spaces. Similar complaints targeted earlier murals on
Ukraine and Kashmir.
Police received no formal hate crime reports but noted
increased tensions near the site during 2025 Orange Order marches. The Public
Prosecution Service reviewed footage but took no action.
Statements from Key Stakeholders Involved
Sinn Féin councillor Gerry McMonagle, who opposed relocation, called the vote
"censorship of Palestinian voices."
He
noted the wall’s history of political murals dating to hunger strikes era.
DUP councillor Gary Middleton supported the move, stating
public spaces must remain inclusive. Alliance councillor Michael Long described
it as a "pragmatic compromise."
Artist Marty Lyons, who painted the mural, expressed
disappointment but welcomed preservation efforts. He confirmed willingness to
assist in relocation and create new contextual artwork.
Belfast Lord Mayor, SDLP’s Liam Hollan, emphasised dialogue:
"Art provokes discussion; relocation allows
continued conversation without confrontation."
Community Reactions to the Relocation Decision
Local residents near Divis Street welcomed the decision,
with petition organiser Maria McCloskey stating it would "reduce daily
tensions." Lower Falls Residents Association reported 80% support in a
street survey.
Palestinian solidarity groups in Belfast planned a peaceful vigil on 31 January outside City Hall. Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign described the mural as "vital education on refugee crises."
Unionist community figures, including Progressive Unionist
Party representatives, urged similar reviews for other politically charged
murals. No vandalism incidents linked to the mural were recorded.
Process for New Site Selection Criteria
Council officers will consult stakeholders over four weeks
to identify the new location. Criteria include visibility, accessibility, and
minimal residential proximity. Potential sites include Bogside or city centre
green spaces.
Funding for relocation, estimated at £15,000, comes from
council arts budget. Professional conservators will handle removal to prevent
damage, given the mural’s acrylic on concrete medium.
The People’s Gallery Collective proposed the new site
incorporate interactive elements, such as QR codes linking to refugee
testimonies. Council planning department will assess compliance with listed
building status of the wall.
Historical Context of Belfast’s Murals
Belfast boasts over 2,000 murals, mostly republican in west
Belfast and unionist in east. The International Wall uniquely rotates
international themes since 1993, featuring Catalan independence, Chernobyl, and
Black Lives Matter.
Past controversies included a 2019 mural on Chinese Uyghurs painted over after diplomatic complaints. Council policy since 2022 requires pre-approval for foreign conflict imagery.
UNESCO recognises Belfast murals as intangible cultural
heritage, influencing global street art. Annual tours attract 50,000 visitors,
generating tourism revenue.
Wider Implications for Public Art Policies
The decision aligns with a 2025 council review of public art
guidelines post-Ukraine mural disputes. New rules mandate impact assessments
for politically sensitive works.
Similar debates occurred in Derry, where a Gaza solidarity
mural remains. Scottish councils in Glasgow faced protests over Palestinian
flags on lampposts.
Arts Council Northern Ireland reaffirmed funding for
community murals promoting cohesion, excluding overt partisanship. The
relocation sets precedent for future installations.
Timeline for Mural Removal and Installation
Tentative schedule
sets removal for mid-February 2026, post-consultation. Temporary covering will
shield the artwork during transit. Unveiling at new site targeted for March St
Patrick’s Day events.
Council will document the process for an online archive,
preserving digital access. Community workshops invite input on replacement
mural themes.
Stakeholders anticipate minimal disruption, with police
liaising to ensure safety. Belfast Essential Project, managing tourism, updated
guides reflecting changes.