Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has criticized the UK for abstaining from a vote at the United Nations Security Council that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yousaf expressed disbelief at the UK's decision, stating that it makes them complicit in the tragic deaths of thousands of children.
"I find it unfathomable that the UK chose not to support a ceasefire. How can they willingly be involved in the loss of thousands of children's lives? Shame on the UK Government and Keir Starmer's Labour Party for refusing to endorse a #Ceasefire," Yousaf commented.
Nadia El-Nakla, Yousaf's wife, is of Palestinian descent, and five of her relatives were reportedly injured during Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Her parents, who managed to escape Gaza through the Rafah crossing in November, experienced a poignant and heart-wrenching return to Scotland, leaving their family behind in the war zone.
The Labour Party has criticized the UK government for its support of Israel, denouncing the death and devastation in Gaza as unacceptable. The party specifically condemned two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers for endorsing illegal settlements in the West Bank.
David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Minister, censured Israeli authorities for overlooking violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank and forcefully displacing over 1,000 Palestinians from their homes since October 7. Lammy called on the government to promptly impose travel bans on individuals responsible for settler violence.
"People in Gaza, akin to those in the West Bank, should be assured that a Labour government, in collaboration with the international community, will not stand for their forced expulsion. Israel must unequivocally affirm that Palestinians displaced since October 7 will have the right to return to their homes. This principle must be at the forefront of our endeavors," emphasized the minister.