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BBC Scotland News political editor Glenn Campbell, along with Angus Cochrane, reported that John Swinney announced a halt in the issuance of new public funds to arms companies supplying Israel. This decision was made due to possible evidence suggesting that Israel is engaged in genocide in Gaza, a claim that the Israeli government denies. Swinney also called for the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state, a move the UK government plans to make if certain conditions, including a ceasefire, are not met by Israel. In contrast, the Scottish government will ease restrictions on public funding for munitions to increase support for Ukraine and UK defense.
During his address to parliament, Swinney emphasized the significance of not turning a blind eye to the alleged genocide in Israel. A Palestinian flag was raised above the government’s headquarters in a show of solidarity with Palestinians. The first minister stressed that while the government had previously offered support to companies involved in military activities, the current circumstances required a reevaluation of such funding. The pause in public fund awards will apply to arms companies operating in countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide, including Israel.
Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, described the situation in Gaza as a “blight on humanity” but urged SNP ministers to focus on improving lives in Scotland rather than international affairs. On the other hand, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar condemned the alleged genocide in Gaza and called for an immediate end to the occupation. Sarwar’s stance differed from that of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has refrained from accusing Israel of genocide. The move to recognize a Palestinian state was regarded by some as premature and counterproductive.
The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, with the ruling yet to be delivered. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, tens of thousands of lives have been lost in the conflict since 2023. UN agencies have reported a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, attributing it to restrictions imposed by Israel on supplies entering the region. The Israeli government refutes claims of starvation in Gaza and denies the allegations of genocide, asserting that they are the actual victims
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