First Minister John Swinney will today update the Scottish Parliament on what actions the Scottish Government will take in response to the deepening crisis in Gaza.
Speaking ahead of the statement, Mr Swinney said the situation is growing “ever more terrifying”, with more than 63,000 people reported dead due to bullets, bombs, and starvation.
“Yet Israel has ignored all international calls for a ceasefire or to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid to enter Gaza,” he said.
The First Minister confirmed that Cabinet has discussed a range of measures the Scottish Government could take to support the people of Gaza and show solidarity from Scotland.
He also renewed calls for a lasting ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and urgent humanitarian access.
“We will continue to press the UK Government to recognise a sovereign Palestinian state, as part of a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region,” Mr Swinney said.
“I continue to share the concerns of other governments and international leaders that actions of Israel in Gaza constitute genocide and we’ve called for an urgent response.”
Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government would not “sit back and watch the horror unfold” and that today’s statement would set out practical steps to support those affected.
On Monday, he met with Dr Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, as well as members of Scotland’s Jewish community, including the Chief Rabbi, to reaffirm both Scotland’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and the government’s strong opposition to antisemitism.
Further detail on the government’s next steps is expected in Parliament this afternoon.
