Scottish Government announces support for Palestinian children

In a statement released on Wednesday 3 September, First Minister John Swinney announced a range of measures intended to support the Palestinian people, including restating a commitment to providing medical treatment in Scotland for injured Gazan children.

In his statement, the First Minister addressed the ‘man-made humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza, and described his own horror while acknowledging the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.

John Swinney called on the UK Government and the international community to immediately recognise a Palestinian state, to issue sanctions against Israel, and to ensure that aid, including food and medicine, enters Gaza as soon as possible. This aid would include £400,000 from Scotland to Kids Operating room to establish the Gaza Hopes Field Readiness Hub, a rapidly deployable hospital to provide surgical, maternity, and paediatric services.

Swinney specifically mentioned the Palestinian children and young people who are bound for Scotland, saying: “We have a long history of helping those in desperate need and we will not be found wanting now.” He acknowledged the Palestinian students who have been given spaces in Scottish universities, and the 20 injured children and young people and their families who are expected to arrive from Gaza for treatment in mid-September.

John Swinney said:

“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. The world cannot wait for a final court ruling before acting. The signs are clear. The alarm has been raised.

The bombs and rockets must stop.

Humanitarian aid must flow.

Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less of us.

Scotland will always raise her voice in favour of peace and humanity.”