Israel and Hamas
Agreement (Hostages)
Kaukab Stewart (Glasgow
Kelvin) (SNP)
It is welcome that Israel and Hamas have
reached an agreement to exchange 50 hostages held in Gaza for a
four-day pause in fighting. However, much more work is needed to
secure a ceasefire and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
What is the Scottish Government’s response to that development,
given that the Parliament has expressed its view on a ceasefire?
The First Minister
()
I commend members across the chamber for a very good debate on a
ceasefire. I was pleased that the Parliament backed by a majority
the call for a ceasefire.
I know that the four-day pause will be very welcome relief for
those in Gaza who have suffered complete and utter devastation
over the past six and a half weeks. I thank, in particular, those
who have been involved in helping to negotiate the four-day
pause—the United States, Egypt and, in particular, Qatar, which
has been at the centre of the negotiations.
I think that all of us will welcome the four-day pause; however,
we want it to be not a four-day pause but a permanent ceasefire.
I urge the UK Government to use whatever influence it has,
alongside the international community, to ensure that, after four
days, the bombing of innocent men, women and children does not
simply resume but we actually have peace. Not only that, but they
must all strive towards a long-term peace, which must be
predicated on a two-state solution.
