The issue is a hot topic just now, both internationally and here in Dumbarton and the Vale. That’s after the local authority chose to fly the Palestinian flag in support of those caught up in the turmoil — a move that has split opinion throughout the area.

And the plight of those suffering in the Middle East was supported further by people from Dumbarton and the Vale who protested for a boycott of all Israeli goods at shops.

That’s after Marks and Spencer’s were found to stock several products from Israel.

Councillor Jim Bollan said around 120 people demonstrated their public support for Palestinians in front of the store.

He added: “We’re calling for a boycott of all Israeli goods to compliment the boycott already in place by West Dunbartonshire Council. There was a mixture of compassion and anger at the bombing and shelling of innocent Palestinians by the Zionist Israeli Government. “Almost 2,000 Palestinians have been slaughtered by the Israeli Defence Force. The support for the council flying the Palestinian flag has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Indeed a comrade of mine received 3,200 Tweets of which 99 per cent congratulated the local authority.” Councillor Bollan said the decision by Glasgow City Council to fly the Palestinian flag was ‘very important’, adding he hoped other councils would adopt the same position.

Police say they had a small presence at the protest, confirming there were no arrests made and ‘no problems’ encountered. Further demonstrations and acts of protest were planned for the coming weeks.