GLOBAL - A fire engine donated by Scottish firefighters to their counterparts in the Palestinian city of Nablus faces a potential return to Scotland after being impounded by Israeli authorities for 15 months at the port of Ashdod. The continued seizure has resulted in a £16,000 (approximately KSh 2.9 million) bill for holding fees, prompting discussions about repatriating the vehicle to avoid further costs for the Nablus municipality.

The retired appliance was a donation from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Dundee, a city twinned with Nablus since 1980. For over 15 years, firefighters in Dundee have provided their Palestinian colleagues with essential kit, equipment, and training. This specific engine was fully equipped with firefighting gear, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, medical supplies, and even football kits for a local children's team.

The vehicle was driven from Dundee to Southampton, England, and then shipped to the Israeli port of Ashdod, arriving in July 2024 with what the FBU maintains was the correct paperwork. However, it has been held in customs ever since. According to the FBU, the stated reason for the seizure is that the vehicle is a right-hand drive. FBU Palestine co-ordinator Jim Malone, a retired Dundee firefighter, called this rationale "a nonsense," stating there was a plan to retrofit the vehicle in the West Bank. Malone suggested the real reason may be related to Israeli security protocols at checkpoints.

The prolonged impoundment has drawn condemnation from trade unionists and politicians. In March 2025, an open letter signed by 450 individuals, including 20 British Members of Parliament, called for the engine's immediate release. Protests have also been held outside the Israeli embassy in London. The FBU has been in talks with the UK government to intervene. In March, the UK's Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, confirmed that the Foreign Office had raised the issue directly with Israeli authorities. A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated, "The UK continues to call on Israel to increase humanitarian and commercial access into the Palestinian territories."

Wider Context of Aid Restrictions

This incident occurs amid broader concerns about humanitarian aid access to Palestinian territories. A coalition of 41 international non-governmental organizations, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières, recently reported that Israeli authorities have continued to arbitrarily reject shipments of life-saving assistance into Gaza. Between October 10 and 21, 2025, 99 aid delivery requests by INGOs were rejected, with 94% of all rejections targeting these organizations. The groups stated that nearly $50 million (approximately KSh 7.3 billion) worth of essential goods remain stockpiled, unable to reach those in need.

The challenges faced by Palestinian firefighters are significant. Jim Malone, whose efforts were featured in the award-winning documentary "Firefighters Under Occupation," highlighted the operational difficulties. "Firefighters have to contact Israeli forces to coordinate before they can fight a fire," Malone said. "As a first responder, it’s something hard for us to imagine not being able to deliver your services in an instant."

The Nablus municipality, now facing a substantial bill, has requested the fire engine be sent back to Scotland to prevent the fees from escalating further. This is reportedly the first time a donated fire engine has faced repatriation. It remains unclear who would bear the cost of its return. The FBU is now urging the UK government to make a final diplomatic push to resolve the impasse. Malone expressed the deep frustration felt by those involved: "There’s a real hurt that you feel that it’s sitting in a port doing nothing."

While this story has no direct link to Kenya, it highlights the significant geopolitical obstacles that can impede humanitarian aid and international solidarity efforts. The situation underscores the complexities of delivering assistance in conflict zones and the broader challenges facing Palestinian civil society organizations. The Israeli embassy has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.