First Minister responds to United Nations report about Gaza

Commenting on a United Nations commission of inquiry finding that the government of Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and the overnight intensification of the attack on Gaza City, First Minister John Swinney said:

“Today's findings by a UN commission of inquiry represent further deeply concerning evidence that a genocide is being committed by Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

“Coupled with the intensification of the Israeli government's assault on Gaza City, the situation is becoming ever more horrific and the international community cannot ignore our obligations to act in light of what we are seeing. Silence – and inaction – is not an option.

“Too many innocent Palestinians have already died, and more will follow unless we see serious and urgent action from the international community to put an end to this horror.

“The case for imposing sanctions on the members of the government of Israel who are responsible is now unanswerable.  

“External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson will today write to the UK Government to again insist that it shoulders its unique historic responsibility to pressurise the Israeli government to change course and ensure a peaceful resolution.”