GAZA: HARVIE WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL ARMS EMBARGO
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, is welcoming the Scottish Government's support for an arms embargo on Israel in light of the military campaign in Gaza which has killed almost 2,000 Palestinians in just four weeks.
During Topical Questions in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, Mr Harvie urged a programme of boycotts, divestment and sanctions against the Israeli government.
In response external affairs minister Humza Yousaf said Scottish ministers support calls for the UK Government to impose an arms embargo.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"There has been a clear difference in the responses of the UK and Scottish Governments to the appalling situation in Gaza, and I welcome the stronger line of support for the Palestinians taken by Scottish ministers. By putting economic pressure on the Israeli Government Scotland and the UK could play a part in the international effort to control the situation.
"David Cameron today lost one of his ministers over his stance on Israel's brutal campaign against a blockaded population. The strength of feeling on this issue in communities across Scotland highlights the need for Scotland to have the ability to determine its own foreign policy.”