emergencymotion

On Sunday, the SNP conference sent its solidarity to the victims of the tragedy unfolding in Israel and Palestine, and called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to be made available to civilians in Gaza.  

I fully support these calls.  

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. Furthermore, it 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.  

We should all be 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.  

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    

 

Full text of the motion  

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.

Search news

Go to top