The Board of Deputies has criticised Glasgow council for its decision to fly the Palestinian flag over the city hall.

In a letter to the leader of the council, Board president Vivien Wineman described the move as “a political statement which has the potential to intimidate and divide our communities.

“It risks feeding an atmosphere of hostility towards Israel within Glasgow, making Israeli residents and visitors feel unwelcome and unsafe.”

The council took its action earlier this month, raising the flag over the Chambers Hall in the centre of the city, in what it called a show of support for “the innocent people who are being hurt in Gaza”.

Mr Wineman told Councillor Gordon Matheson: “At such a time of tension I can only stress the importance of calm and nuanced discussion to avoid adding to an already polarised and uncomfortable atmosphere for Jews in the UK.”

“Peace can only be advanced in an environment where our communities feel able to come together in discussion without intimidation.”.

Meanwhile a delegation of 600 American businessmen cancelled a visit to Glasgow in protest against the city's stance over Gaza.