Newcastle could become the first city in the UK and Europe to install a permanent memorial dedicated to Palestinian civilians, under plans backed by councillors and community groups.
The proposed memorial would be located in the city’s Peace Garden at the Civic Centre, a space created for reflection and remembrance for communities affected by war, genocide and conflict.
The initiative has been spearheaded by Councillor Habib Rahman, who has played a central role in developing the Peace Garden as a place of unity and shared memory.
If approved in full, the latest addition would include a memorial stone honouring Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in the Israel–Gaza conflict, alongside the planting of an olive tree, a widely recognised symbol of peace and resilience.
The Peace Garden has already become a significant landmark for remembrance in the city. In 2024, a memorial stone was unveiled to honour victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, supported by Newcastle’s Rwandan community. A second memorial followed in 2025 recognising the genocide against the Roma people, alongside an oak tree planted in memory of Jewish refugees and victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
Council documents confirm that discussions are ongoing with the local Palestinian community, facilitated by Councillor Rahman, to bring the new memorial to fruition. Arboriculture specialists are also assessing the most appropriate location for the olive tree within the Civic Centre grounds.
Although the proposal was referenced in a cabinet update to full council in March 2026, it was not debated in detail due to budget discussions dominating the session. Councillor Rahman has since formally written to council leader Councillor Karen Kilgour urging that the plans be progressed through the appropriate council and cabinet processes.
He has also confirmed that the full cost of the memorial and tree planting will be met entirely by the community.
In correspondence seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a council officer confirmed formal acceptance of the proposal to install a permanent memorial commemorating innocent Palestinian civilians.
Councillor Rahman said the development reflects Newcastle’s identity as a City of Sanctuary.
“I am immensely proud of the work undertaken to establish the Peace Garden. As a City of Sanctuary, it is fitting that Newcastle has a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection,” he said.
“It reflects our city’s long-standing tradition of solidarity, our stance against genocide and war, and our commitment to empathy and remembrance.”
He added that the new memorial would build on the city’s existing legacy of recognition.
“We have already made history with memorials recognising the genocide against the Tutsi people of Rwanda and the genocide against the Roma people.
“By establishing a memorial for the Palestinian people, alongside the planting of an olive tree, we have the opportunity to make history again.”
Community leaders have welcomed the move. Mohammed Wafi, of Palestine Community North East, described the proposal as a significant milestone.
“We thank Councillor Rahman for his leadership in securing this historic approval. This memorial will mean a great deal to our community, and we will now work with him and the council to deliver it,” he said.
Work is now expected to continue in partnership between the council and community groups, with the aim of unveiling the memorial later this year.
If completed, the installation would mark a historic first, positioning Newcastle at the forefront of civic remembrance for Palestinian civilians in both the UK and Europe.
