TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested after clashes outside Belfast City Hall following protests related to the flying of a Palestinian flag.

The flag was flown earlier today following a vote, which was supported by Sinn Féin members on the council who said it was to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine.

But the move has been condemned by unionists, and protests have been held outside the council hall since yesterday against the flying of the emblem.

The flag was erected shortly after midnight last night and was in place until this afternoon.

There had been an emergency legal bid to have the Palestinian flag taken down from outside Belfast City Hall, but this was denied by Northern Ireland’s High Court.

🇵🇸 A powerful moment of solidarity as the Palestinian flag is raised above Belfast City Hall, following a proposal by Sinn Féin.

🎥 Kevin Scott pic.twitter.com/wIZoukJf6Y

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) December 2, 2025

In a statement tonight, a spokesperson for the council said that the flag was taken down today as per the local authority’s usual protocols for flag flying.

“The full wording of last night’s decision was ‘in recognition of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to erect the national flag of Palestine above the City Hall on the next available day from midnight tonight.’”

The spokesperson added: “The flag was erected shortly after midnight last night, as per the decision, and was in place until dusk today, as per our usual protocols.”

On this evening’s scenes, a spokesperson for the PSNI said the disruption happened after one group “began to antagonise” rival protesters.

Police officers are in attendance at an ongoing protest in the Belfast City Hall area this evening, Tuesday 2nd December.

Today’s protest had started by groups wearing flags including the Union Jack at around 5.30pm.

The PSNI said it was “peaceful” for an hour until clashes took place with a second protest group.

One person, a man aged in his late teens, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.

A second man – aged in his 40s – was also arrested in the area for disorderly behaviour, which the PSNI said was unrelated to any protest activity.

Both men remain in custody at this time.

“An evidence-gathering operation is in place and in due course we will review the footage gathered and consider any further potential offences,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

The PSNI spokesperson added that the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest.

“However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime,” the police spokesperson said.