The Scottish Government has backed a motion calling an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and an unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The motion states that Scottish Parliament “unequivocally condemns” the “barbaric and unjustifiable terrorist attacks” by Hamas and that the “killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, including women and children who have been besieged by Israeli forces, must stop.”
The motion also declares the Scottish Government’s alignment with statements by the United Nations Secretary-General and the statues of the Geneva Convention, which define protection for civilians during times of armed conflict.
The vote took place on 21 November and saw 90 MSPs back the motion with 28 dissenting.
It follows a letter sent by First Minister Humza Yousaf to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition urging Westminster to recognize the state of Palestine.
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Yousaf said the move would “break the political impasse that has condemned Israelis and Palestinians to successive cycles of violence.”
The decision means the Scottish Government has joined parliaments in Wales, Ireland, and Catalonia in formally calling for a ceasefire.
Image via Rayna Carruthers