First Minister John Swinney has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stating it is “central” to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
His comments came on the first anniversary of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza, which followed a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Swinney emphasized that international recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state, as part of a two-state solution, is essential for long-term peace.
Swinney also urged for the unconditional release of all hostages held since the conflict began. According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 42,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza over the past year due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, although these figures include both fighters and civilians.
In a recent national demonstration for Gaza, Swinney addressed the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. “The urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza is at the core of establishing broader peace across the Middle East,” Swinney stated, while also reiterating support for the two-state solution as a “fundamental pillar” for peace.
Swinney criticized ongoing “breaches of international law and human rights violations” in Gaza and called on Israel to allow essential humanitarian aid to reach civilians enduring severe conditions. The First Minister further reiterated Scotland’s stance against UK arms sales to Israel, highlighting that the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and impacted millions more.
Swinney expressed solidarity with Scottish communities affected by the conflict, stating, “I stand with those in Scotland who have lost loved ones and face daily anguish over the safety of their family members.”
