Gaza (Humanitarian
Assistance)
7. James Dornan (Glasgow
Cathcart) (SNP)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to support
the provision of humanitarian assistance for the civilian
population of Gaza. (S6O-02622)
The Minister for Culture,
Europe and International Development ()
We have all looked on in horror at the escalating humanitarian
catastrophe that is unfolding in the middle east. Our condolences
go to all those who have lost loved ones on both sides of this
conflict.
We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist attacks that
have been committed by Hamas. Israel, like every other
country in the world, has a right to protect itself from terror.
However, that must be done within international law. As the
number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and their
supplies are restricted, innocent people are being affected and
conditions continue to deteriorate.
Last week, I announced that we will make a £500,000 contribution
to the United Nations’ flash appeal in response to the
humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Those funds will support the
immediate food, health, shelter and protection needs of people
who are seeking safety. We continue to call for an immediate
ceasefire and for the creation of a safe humanitarian corridor
that allows such much-needed supplies in and innocent people to
leave.
James Dornan
—[Inaudible.]
The Deputy Presiding
Officer
I am sorry, Mr Dornan, but we are unable to hear you. I do not
know whether it is to do with your microphone or whether it is an
IT issue.
James Dornan
It is not mine.
The Deputy Presiding
Officer
Do you want to start again, Mr Dornan?
James Dornan
Certainly.
I am sure that the minister will agree that the First Minister
has led politicians across the UK in the thoughtful way that he
shows care and compassion for the victims of the horrendous
attacks by Hamas, while reminding Israel and others of
the need to show the innocent civilians in Gaza the same
compassion as they demand elsewhere. Given the desperate need to
protect those who are affected during and after the on-going
onslaught of Gaza, will the Scottish Government reiterate its
call for a worldwide refugee programme and refugee resettlement
programme?
A ceasefire by all sides is needed in order to allow the creation
of a secure and sustained humanitarian corridor to ensure
protection of innocent civilians and delivery of essential
supplies including food, fuel, water and medical provisions.
Currently, 1.4 million people are displaced within the Gaza
strip.
We know that many Palestinians will wish to stay in their
homeland; they must be supported to do so with urgent
humanitarian aid. However, for people who choose to leave, the
Scottish Government is also calling on the international
community to commit to a worldwide refugee programme for the
people of Gaza. The First Minister has called on the UK
Government to take urgent steps to use the existing UK
resettlement scheme and to ensure that it is aligned with the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees—the United Nations’
refugee agency—to provide those who want to leave with all the
support that they require. Scotland stands ready to work with the
UK Government to create and implement a resettlement route for
the people of Gaza.
Katy Clark (West Scotland)
(Lab)
I welcome the Scottish Government’s response to the crisis. Given
that aid is currently not getting into Gaza, how does the
minister expect the money that has already been committed to be
used? What work is being done to look at further support that
could be given, in light of the siege and the worsening
conditions?
Katy Clark echoes concerns that we all feel. To answer her
question directly, I note that the flash appeal that we
contributed to is a UN appeal. United
Nations Relief and Works Agency staff remain on the ground in
Gaza; the money will be channelled through their work. They are
currently protecting 600,000 internally displaced people in 150
UNRWA facilities, and they tell us today that they are running
out of fuel and might therefore have to leave the area. We do not
want that. We want the aid money to get to UN people on the
ground, and support to be given to the people who need it most.
