Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has declared that
Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, urging urgent action including boycotts,
sanctions, and halting public funding for arms companies. The Scottish
Government is actively responding with diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian
measures to end the atrocities.
Scotland Takes a Firm Stand Against Genocide
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, recently addressed
the grave situation in Gaza, explicitly stating that Israel is committing
genocide. He asserted that there is prima facie evidence indicating a genocide
is unfolding and that governments must act now rather than wait for
international courts to make a formal legal ruling. Swinney emphasised the
moral and legal responsibility to end the violence and called on the UK government
to recognise the State of Palestine unconditionally at the upcoming United
Nations General Assembly. He criticised the ongoing war of extermination
against Palestinians in Gaza and conveyed that Scotland would pursue
diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian measures to address the crisis.
Measures to Halt Support for Arms Companies
The Scottish Government announced a halt on all new public
funding for defence companies involved in supplying arms to Israel. This
decision is part of a broader package of actions aimed at responding to the
humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 63,000 Palestinians have
reportedly died since October 2023. Scottish Enterprise and other relevant
institutions will be instructed to avoid supporting trade with Israel in
sectors implicated in the conflict. Furthermore, Scotland is directing funds
toward humanitarian relief, including £400,000 for a field hospital in Gaza and
£600,000 for United Nations humanitarian aid covering essential services such
as health, food, shelter, and education.
Swinney made it clear that
"in the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual’"
and that Scotland must not bankroll
those who profit from the violence. This significant shift in policy came after
sustained pressure from the Scottish Greens, who have long demanded more
decisive action including boycotts, divestments, and sanctions aimed at ending
Israel’s military operations and occupation.
Political and Parliamentary Action
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP and co-leader of the Scottish
Greens, has pushed for Scotland and the UK to implement comprehensive steps
against Israel and companies supporting its actions in Palestine. He criticised
the Scottish Government for previously continuing financial support for arms
manufacturers despite condemning the genocide. Harvie’s proposed amendment to
the Scottish Parliament calls for immediate imposition of boycotts,
divestments, and sanctions against Israel and related firms.
The debate in the Scottish Parliament reflects a growing
consensus among many MSPs that words of condemnation are insufficient and must
be matched by practical measures. Harvie called on the Parliament to show its
commitment by taking a strong stand through policies that sever economic ties
with the arms trade and companies complicit in illegal settlement activity.
International and Human Rights Perspectives
The world’s leading association of genocide scholars, the
International Association of Genocide Scholars, has affirmed that Israel’s
actions in Gaza meet the legal criteria for genocide under the UN Genocide
Convention. They highlighted extensive attacks on healthcare, humanitarian aid,
education, and the devastating impact on children. The association cited
Israeli officials’ public statements advocating for the forced removal of
Palestinians and describing intentions to "flatten Gaza" and turn it
into "hell," further supporting the genocide accusation.
Amnesty International UK has called for an immediate
suspension of UK arms exports to Israel and strict due diligence to avoid
public money supporting companies linked to illegal settlements. The
organisation stresses that Palestinian lives are worth equal protection and
that the ongoing humanitarian crisis demands urgent action.
Calls for End to UK Government Complicity
John Swinney and many Scottish representatives have publicly
criticised the UK Government for its role in continuing arms sales and military
cooperation with Israel. They demand the UK Parliament be recalled to take
urgent action to halt all arms exports and recognize Palestine. Swinney warned
that plans to occupy Gaza City would exacerbate the genocide by forcibly
displacing nearly 1 million Palestinians and launching intensified military
assaults.
The criticism extends to the lack of international response,
with calls for prosecutions of Israeli leaders implicated in war crimes and
genocide. Scotland has indicated it will uphold accountability through national
legal mechanisms and international justice forums wherever possible.
Scotland’s Commitment to Action
Scotland’s declaration of genocide by its First Minister,
coupled with the decision to cut funding for Israeli arms companies, signals a
bold and concrete political stance in support of Palestinian rights and
humanitarian law. Patrick Harvie and the Scottish Greens’ push for sanctions
and economic measures align with public demands for justice and accountability.
Scotland aims to set an example for other nations by matching words with
meaningful actions that support ending the violence and aid rebuilding efforts
in Gaza. The situation remains dire, but Scotland’s leadership underscores a
powerful commitment to confront genocide and uphold global human rights.