Hackney Council moves to end 60‑year twinning with Israeli city Haifa

Hackney Council in East London will vote on a motion to terminate its twinning agreement with Haifa, Israel. The partnership was signed on 26 July 1968 and has lasted nearly six decades. Since the May 2024 local elections the Green Party took control of the council and has pushed to “de‑twin” as a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza and alleged war‑crimes, citing humanitarian concerns. The council describes the arrangement as dormant since the COVID‑19 pandemic and says it will not engage in any twinning activity while the conflict continues. The motion also calls for a review of Hackney’s other twinning programmes.

Jewish groups in the UK have criticised the proposal as symbolic politics without practical effect, while Palestinian solidarity activists argue it signals moral opposition to the war. Former Hackney mayor Caroline Woodley noted the agreement was “inactive” and would be reconsidered after the conflict ends. The council’s decision is expected later this week.