Scottish Government offers Gaza help

The Scottish Government has said it stands ready to help the humanitarian effort in Gaza.

The confirmation came as MSPs staged an emergency debate at Holyrood on the Middle East crisis.

The Scottish Parliament is adding its voice to calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, with all parties expressing concern about lives lost on all sides.

Leading the debate, Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said her government strongly condemned attacks on civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian.

"Only a complete cessation of violence will suffice," she said, adding: "Three hourly pauses in bombing are simply not sufficient to feed 750,000 people."

Ms Sturgeon went on to say that government officials were in regular contact with non-governmental organisations on the ground in Gaza, telling parliament: "The Scottish Government stand ready to respond favourably to any requests for humanitarian assistance that may be made by those working on the ground."

Her full speech reads:

"The scenes of devastation we have witnessed in Gaza over the last twelve days have been truly horrifying. Feelings of concern are widespread and felt by Scots up and down the country regardless of faith, colour or creed.

"The Scottish Government has already added its voice to calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire and I hope parliament today will do likewise.

"Presiding Officer, the Scottish Government strongly condemns attacks on civilians whether they are Israeli or Palestinian. Like every other reasonable person I believe that Israel has a right to defend its citizens from rocket attacks. But they have a duty to act reasonably, proportionally and within the obligations imposed on them by international law.

"So far the current offensive on Gaza has killed over 600 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, and injured over 3,000. Just a couple of days ago the conflict took a horrifying twist when a UN school, sheltering children and their families, was struck by Israeli mortars killing 40 people. Such acts have rightly been condemned worldwide as have the continued firing of rockets by Hamas militants.

"There must be an understanding by all sides involved that the continued violence is shattering any glimmer of hope that existed for a long term solution and lasting peace in the region.

"Of course, Presiding Officer, today’s debate is not primarily about the political situation in the Middle East. Each of us will have our own views of that. For my part, I believe in the right of Palestinians to self determination. I believe that peace in the Middle East demands a two-state solution with a secure Israel and an independent and viable Palestinian homeland.

"But today’s debate is first and foremost about the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza.

"No-one can fail to be affected by the images of children, women and the elderly suffering in the most horrific conditions imaginable.

"The humanitarian crisis has intensified in the last 12 days but its roots extend much further back.

"For the last 18 months there has been a complete blockade of the Gaza strip. During this period there has been no exporting or importing of any goods to and from Gaza. Basic essentials such as medicines, bread, rice and clean water have been in very short supply. This has obviously had a devastating effect on the lives of ordinary people in Gaza and crippled what was already a very fragile economy.

"Approximately, 85% of the Gazan population are dependent on UN food aid which, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency in the region has almost run out. Unemployment is severe with over 60% of the population without any meaningful employment.

"Even before the current assault Gaza’s hospitals and health clinics were completely over run and severely lacking basic medical supplies.

"I am aware that Sandra White, Pauline McNeil and Hugh O’Donnell recently braved a 13-hour boat ride across the Mediterranean to Gaza and will no doubt speak about the appalling conditions they witnessed.

"Presiding officer, throughout the last twelve days charities and NGOs from across the world have been pulling together to help the people of Gaza. Scottish aid agencies have also been playing a very significant role.

"I was delighted to speak at Islamic Relief’s emergency fundraising event last weekend. The strength of feeling emanating from people who wanted to do whatever they could to help the people of Gaza was tangible and a total of £160,000 was raised which will go toward incubators and other medial supplies for the people of Gaza.

"In addition to Islamic Relief there are other aid agencies working on the ground in Gaza risking their lives. Many of them, such as Save the Children and Oxfam have offices and volunteer bases in Scotland once again showing that we are a caring nation that will act to ease suffering wherever it is happening in the world.

"I can advise parliament today that Scottish Government officials are in regular contact with the NGOs working on the ground in Gaza. They have been advised that, following a decision of the Cabinet on Tuesday, the Scottish Government stands ready to respond favourably to any requests for humanitarian assistance.

"Presiding officer, as the Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues the calls for an immediate ceasefire become louder. Since the conflict began the Scottish Government has been echoing calls from the UN Secretary General, and world leaders, for a cessation of violence. And only a complete cessation will suffice – three hourly pauses in bombing are not sufficient to feed 750,000 people.

"Only when arms are laid to rest and dialogue begins can the people of Gaza rebuild their lives.

"Yesterday I - like everyone - was encouraged by positive noises from both sides involved in the conflict about agreeing to principles of a truce. The efforts of French, Egyptian and UN diplomats to broker a truce must be supported and the Scottish Government does so. In the meantime, we will look to support our aid agencies in any way we can to help alleviate the terrible suffering of the people of Gaza."