Polish City Kielce Ends Twin City Ties With Israel's Ramla

The city council of Kielce, Poland, has voted to sever its twin city relationship with Ramla, Israel, which had been in place since 2006. The resolution passed with 16 votes in favor, three against, and two abstentions. The initiative to end the partnership was spearheaded by the left-wing Razem party and civic activists who gathered resident signatures for a petition to the council.

Supporters of the initiative cited protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and human rights reports concerning the treatment of Palestinians held in a prison located in Ramla. During the debate, activists also referenced the death of Polish volunteer Damian Sobol in an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen humanitarian convoy in Gaza in 2024.

Crucially, council members from the Civic Coalition (KO), who had previously opposed the move, shifted their stance. Representatives from the faction explained their change of position by citing a lack of meaningful interaction between the two cities in recent years and alleged human rights violations.