Scotland suspended all conferences with Israeli diplomats till there may be “real progress” is made towards a cease-fire in Gaza and unobstructed supply of humanitarian support within the blockaded enclave.
In a press release, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson stated the Scottish authorities wouldn’t settle for any invitation for an additional assembly with Israel till there was actual progress on the Gaza battle.
“This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes,” stated Robertson.
This got here after a current assembly between Robertson and Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the U.Ok. Daniela Grudsky about two weeks in the past, sparking criticism throughout the Scottish National Party (SNP).
The exterior affairs secretary stated his view was that, given Grudsky had requested the assembly this was “an opportunity to express the Scottish Government’s clear and unwavering position” on the necessity for an instantaneous cease-fire in Gaza. “And I did exactly that,” he added.
“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza,” he famous, expressing that the Scottish Government has been constant in its “unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities” within the Palestinian enclave.
Noting that many had seen the assembly as an indication of normalization between the Israeli and Scottish governments, Robertson harassed that it was clear that it could have been higher to make sure that its agenda was strictly restricted to the necessity for an instantaneous cease-fire in Gaza.
“I apologize for the fact that this did not happen,” he stated.
Robertson added that, “going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli Government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting.”
Highlighting that this could stay the Scottish authorities’s place till actual progress on a cease-fire is made, he stated: “The Scottish Government does not support any normalization of its relations with the Israeli Government during this period.”
“The Scottish Government will never hold back in expressing support for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, an end to U.K. arms being sent to Israel, and the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution.”
Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf welcomed the assertion, saying Robertson has “clearly listened and reflected on the anger and upset” in relation to his assembly with the deputy Israeli ambassador.
“Crucially, he has made it clear there can not be normal relations with the Govt of Israel,” Yousaf stated on X.
Source: www.dailysabah.com