Vital humanitarian aid must not be blocked and must be allowed to
reach innocent civilians in Gaza, First Minister has said.
Speaking following a meeting with the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency's (UNRWA) Europe Manager Marc Lassouaoui, the First
Minister said Scotland stands with more than 70 other countries
in supporting established humanitarian agencies to deliver aid to
those who need it most in Gaza. External Affairs Secretary also met UNRWA.
First Minister said:
“The scenes we are witnessing in Gaza are heartbreaking. More
than 56,000 people have already been killed and many more are now
being left to starve at the hands of the Israeli Government as
they continue to block humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.
“The rhetoric of Israeli politicians has become increasingly
extreme, and the trickle of aid being delivered by private
contractors is inadequate and inhumane. For many civilians,
simply queuing to collect what little humanitarian aid is allowed
to enter Gaza has resulted in their death by Israeli gunfire.
There are reports that over 400 people have been shot near aid
distribution points since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
started operations. This situation is sickening. The
international community cannot allow this to continue and must
demand that the international rule of law is enforced.
“Scotland stands with more than 70 countries in calling for
Israel to allow established humanitarian agencies, including
UNRWA, to deliver vital humanitarian aid to those who need it
most. This must be unimpeded - and at scale.
“The Scottish Government has been consistent in calling for an
immediate and sustainable ceasefire by all parties in Gaza, along
with the unconditional release of hostages. The expanded
settlements in the West Bank, and violence that accompanies them,
is also completely unacceptable. Only a two-state solution will
bring lasting peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live
side-by-side in peace and security.”
Marc Lassouaoui, Senior Manager Outreach for Europe, UNRWA said:
“In Gaza, starving people are being killed when they try to
collect food. The new supply scheme continues to force
thousands of hungry and desperate people to walk for tens of
miles, excluding the most vulnerable. This humiliating mechanism
is also a dangerous distraction from the atrocities still
unfolding in Gaza, while bombs continue to fall.
“Mass starvation in Gaza can be stopped. Aid deliveries and
distribution must be at scale and safe. This can only be done
through the United Nations, including UNRWA. During the
ceasefire, the UN - including UNRWA – and partners brought in an
average of 500 to 600 trucks of food and other basic supplies
every day, reaching the entire population with lifesaving aid and
services.
“UNRWA warmly welcomes Scotland's strong commitment to its work,
its mandate, and to Palestine Refugees.”
Background
Since the outset of the current conflict, the Scottish Government
has provided £1.3million for Gaza and the wider Middle East,
including £750,000 for UNRWA and a further £550,000 to the
Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal, Mercy Corps and SCIAF.
Mr Lassouaoui is also visiting the UK Parliament and the Welsh
Senedd.
UNRWA provides more than 15,000 health consultations per day. The
Agency also plays a critical role in managing shelters, providing
clean water, and removing waste to avoid the spread of disease,
while hundreds of UNRWA psychologists and educators try to reduce
the impact of trauma on children.
