First Minister John Swinney will today urge the Scottish Parliament to unite in recognising the State of Palestine and to support measures aimed at increasing pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.
The call comes as civilian deaths in Gaza continue to mount despite repeated international appeals for an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking ahead of his address to MSPs on Wednesday 3 September, Mr Swinney said the situation demanded urgent and united action.
“We have watched the death toll in Gaza grow on a daily basis,” said the First Minister.
“The international community, including Scotland, has called on the Israeli government to agree to an immediate ceasefire but the calls go unanswered and the death toll spirals.
“It is simply unacceptable.
“I continue to share the concerns of other governments and international leaders that actions of the Israeli government in Gaza constitute genocide.
“That means we urgently need to do more to help.”
The Scottish Government confirmed that the Cabinet has agreed on a series of actions it can take in response to the crisis, which Mr Swinney will outline in Parliament this afternoon.
Those measures, he said, are intended to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Gaza and to apply pressure where possible on the Israeli government to halt the conflict.
“I urge all members to unite and show their support for the people of Gaza, to call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to this conflict,” Mr Swinney added.
The debate is expected to sharpen Holyrood’s position on an issue that has divided opinion across the UK and beyond, with the Scottish Government continuing to take a more vocal line than Westminster on both recognition of Palestine and on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
