LONDON: The Scottish parliament overwhelmingly voted Tuesday in favor of a motion that demands an immediate truce in the Gaza Strip. Members of the Parliament supported the government’s motion for a permanent truce in the Gaza Strip. As per media reports, a total of 90 legislators voted in support of the motion with 28 MPs opposed it.
First Minister Humza Yousaf criticized Israeli assaults against the besieged Gaza Strip. He said that no country including Israel has a right to ignore global humanitarian law. He further added that this government has repeatedly asked for an end to the 16-year blockade and siege of the Gaza Strip.
Labour leader Anas Sarwar supported the truce motion and said it was “vital that we see an end of all violence” in Gaza.” However, Scottish Conservatives MPs did not support the motion and voted against it.
Scottish Parliament Demands Truce in Gaza
On the other hand, Humza Yousaf wrote a letter to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer that asked the government to officially recognize the state of Palestine.
“It is vital and urgent that the UK makes clear to Israel and to the world, that in line with support for a two-state solution, only Palestinian people can have authority in the Gaza Strip,” Humza Yousaf.
He added London needs to work with the world to break the “political impasse”. He stated that recognition would offer a ray of hope to Palestinian people that a just and durable political settlement is possible.
The First Minister expressed “deep concern” regarding the latest warnings from Israel to Palestinian people living in Khan Younis — a city in Gaza — to vacate the region.
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Meanwhile, a group of people gathered outside of the parliament when the vote on a truce was taking place. The protestors were carrying signs and posters that read: “Boycott to Israel”, “Stop the killing”, and “Genocide in Gaza,” the crowd also chanted pro-Palestine slogans.
Israel has started relentless air and ground assaults in Gaza after a cross-border strike by Hamas on October 7. Officials in Gaza said that the death toll from current Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 has increased to over 14,100, including 3,920 women and 5,840 children.
