The SNP conference has passed the following motion:
The SNP conference sends its solidarity to the victims of the
tragedy unfolding in Israel and Palestine, and has called for a
ceasefire and humanitarian aid to be made available to civilians
in Gaza.
The emergency motion called for civilians to be allowed to
evacuate through an open border, without the risk of being caught
in a military attack.
The SNP has called upon the international community to advocate
for a humanitarian corridor, protected by ceasefire, to allow
people to leave and civilian supplies, including food, fuel,
water and medical supplied, to reach those who cannot leave.
Commenting, the SNP’s Minister for International Development,
said:
“We are united in our condemnation of terrorist attacks by Hamas,
and it must also be made clear that the collective punishment of
innocent people is unacceptable.
“There is a humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, and it is a
matter of urgency that essential supplies are made available.
“It is also important to recognise that many families and
communities in Scotland will be affected by the violence in the
region. I offer my condolences to everyone who has suffered as a
result of this horrific conflict.
“We must be steadfast in our commitment to peace in the region
and ensure that no more innocent lives are lost as a result of
this conflict.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Text of the emergency motion below:
Conference unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas,
calls for the unconditional release of all hostages and
recognises the right of Israel, in common with all nations, to
protect itself from terror.
Conference believes international law must be respected, rejects
collective punishment and believes that innocent people must not
pay the price for the actions of Hamas.
Conference recognises that a humanitarian catastrophe is
unfolding in Gaza; further recognises that civilians can only
evacuate if there is an open border crossing to allow them to
leave and they can travel safely without the risk of being caught
up in military attacks; further recognises that many people,
including the very young, very old and the infirm, cannot leave.
Conference supports the United Nation’s call for a humanitarian
corridor, protected by a ceasefire, to be agreed to allow people
to leave and civilian supplies, including food, fuel, water and
medical supplies, to reach those who cannot leave. Conference
calls on the UK Government to support the United Nation’s call
for a humanitarian corridor and to commit supplies and aid to
mitigate the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza.
Conference recognises that many families and communities in
Scotland are affected by violence in the region; offers
condolence to those who have suffered as a result of this
horrific conflict; calls on Scottish civil society to be alert
to, and to stand up against, discrimination and hate crime;
resolves that there is no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or
hatred of any kind in Scotland.
Conference reaffirms support for a two-state solution which
recognises the right of both the State of Israel and the State of
Palestine to exist and prosper, and which respects international
law and the human rights of those in the region.
ANGUS ROBERTSON MSP
BRENDAN O’HARA MP
