With protests and calls of boycotts against its members, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has issued a statement.
NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “It is disappointing that both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian supporters have on social media and other media outlets called for protests and boycotts against independent retailers.
“Last week our members were being accused of being pro-Palestinian, this week they are now being accused of being pro-Israeli.
“It is unacceptable for local independent community retailers to be targeted in this way.
“Our members only want to run their shops and have no interest in being dragged into this dispute. We recognise that both sides are passionate in their support but urge them not to call for boycotts or protest against our members.
‘The reality is that NIIRTA members source as locally as possible, therefore stocking very little Israeli produce. In any case it is entirely a matter for the consumer on what they buy or do not buy.”
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