That the Parliament condemns Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which it believes was a peaceful humanitarian convoy seeking to challenge the blockade of Gaza and deliver lifesaving supplies to civilians facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world; understands that humanitarians and activists from over 40 countries, including the Scottish activists, Jim Hickey, Margaret Pancetta, Yvonne Ridley and Sid Khan, have been detained by Israeli forces; notes with alarm the reported use of force and obstruction by Israeli authorities; considers that these raise serious concerns under international law, particularly regarding the right to peaceful passage and the protection of humanitarian missions; opposes the continued blockade of Gaza, which, it believes has severely restricted access to food, medicine, fuel and clean water; understands that the deliberate denial of humanitarian aid might constitute a war crime under international law; notes that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described by international agencies as "catastrophic", with the civilian population, especially children, bearing the brunt of the deprivation; supports the calls of international leaders, legal experts and humanitarian organisations in urging for Israel to comply with the rulings of the International Court of Justice and to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza; reaffirms Scotland’s commitment to upholding international law, defending human rights and protecting civilians in conflict zones, and calls on the UK Government to take all necessary diplomatic and legal measures to ensure accountability for violations of international law, to support future humanitarian missions seeking to alleviate suffering in Gaza and to stand in solidarity with efforts that promote peace, justice and the dignity of all people in the region.
Supported by:
George Adam, Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Katy Clark, Bob Doris, James Dornan, Ross Greer, Clare Haughey, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Gordon MacDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Stuart McMillan, Carol Mochan, Audrey Nicoll, Emma Roddick, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Michelle Thomson, David Torrance, Mercedes Villalba