Derry City and Strabane City is set to form a twinning arrangement with the city of Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is one of Palestine’s most important cities, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Earlier this year, SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Catherine McDaid raised a motion with the council seeking the twinning arrangement.
Councillor McDaid said: “I was very moved at the sacrifice that the people of Bethlehem undertook in abandoning their festive celebrations in November in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“This was a significant step that will have impacted many aspects of the lives and livelihoods of people in Bethlehem, but the city council knew the power of sending that message.
“As the genocide in Gaza continues, it’s incumbent on us to take every step possible to demonstrate similar solidarity with the people of Palestine.
“I believe that the twinning of our two cities demonstrates on a global stage that Derry, and indeed Ireland, recognises the plight of the Palestinian people and stands in solidarity with them.”
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue has announced she was pleased and honoured to receive correspondence from Mayor of Bethlehem Adv. Anton Salman approving the twinning request.
She said: “The people of Derry/Strabane and Bethlehem have a lot in common, both have shown great resilience and strength and I strongly believe that by twinning with each other we reap the benefits of a very positive and engaging relationship that will impact our communities and businesses.”
