Scottish Parliament sends a clear message for an end to killing in Gaza
By calling for a ceasefire in Gaza the Scottish Parliament has sent a strong message against the slaughter and for humanity and peace, say the Scottish Greens.
The party’s external affairs spokesperson, Ross Greer MSP, has contrasted the call, which was overwhelmingly backed by MSPs, to the “cowardice” in Westminster, where Tory and Labour MPs voted down calls for a halt to the violence.
Mr Greer said: “Today the Scottish Parliament has made a powerful call for an end to Israel’s relentless slaughter in Gaza and for humanity and peace. Every day that the bombing continues will leave hundreds more innocent civilians, including dozens of children, dead.
“There is a responsibility on every politician and every government with any kind of influence or voice to condemn these war crimes and to push for peace. It is a basic moral test that far too many have failed.
“The UN has warned that Israeli forces are on the verge of committing genocide. How could anyone see the horrors being inflicted and look the other way?
“Today, MSPs from across the Parliament stood together to demand the killing stop, showing a moral leadership which contrasts with the cowardice demonstrated at Westminster last week.
“There must urgently be an end to Israel’s bombing campaign, the unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas and humanitarian corridors opened for people and aid. That is what the Scottish Greens and many others will continue to push for.
“Scotland has a proud history of standing in solidarity with our Palestinian friends, and we have done so again today. We demand a ceasefire now.”