Statement by TUV Bannside councillor Timothy Gaston:
“The erection of Palestinian flags in the Dunclug area of Ballymena is a deliberate attempt by Republicans to raise tensions in the area.
“Doubtless the claim will be made that they were put up to show solidarity with the innocent people of Gaza but the reality is that no concern was expressed for Israelis who have been under terrorist attack from Gaza long before Operation Protective Edge was launched.
“Nor was any support expressed for the Christians of Iraq when Isis ordered them to leave, convert or face death.
“The flying of these flags will be seen by most people for what it is – an expression of support for Hamas, a terrorist organisation which is solely responsible for the situation in Gaza and which remains committed to the destruction of the Jewish state.
“Last week a number of my party colleagues publicly demonstrated their support for Israel. Their fight against terror is something the people of Northern Ireland can empathise with. Sadly it is also true that there are those in Northern Ireland who feel more comfortable with terrorism.”