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International trade

Scottish Government Takes Action Against Israel Amid Genocide Fears

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Scottish Government has vowed to take a series of steps against Israel in response to what it claims is a high risk of genocide in Palestine. First Minister John Swinney outlined the measures in the Holyrood Parliament, citing his government's obligations under international law. The actions include withholding new funding from arms firms dealing with Israel, providing financial support to a charity that helps create field hospitals, and donating to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) fund for Palestine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Government will not provide new funding to arms firms dealing with Israel, except for previously agreed contracts and government-backed apprenticeships.
  • £400,000 will be provided to the charity Kids Operating Room to set up a "Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub" in Scotland and help build a rapidly deployable field hospital for Gaza.
  • £600,000 will be donated to the UN OCHA fund for Palestine to provide life-saving services, food, and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, and protection services.
  • Medical support will be provided for 20 children injured in Gaza to be treated in Scotland.
  • The Scottish Government will support Scottish legal experts to gather and preserve evidence for international criminal cases.
  • The Palestine flag will be flown at St Andrew's House on September 3 as a gesture of support.
  • Restrictions on funding arms companies for military reasons will be lifted to support other military campaigns.
  • The Scottish Government will call on the UK Government to recognize the state of Palestine, strengthen sanctions against Israeli government ministers, withdraw from the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement, and end arms exports to Israel.

Statistics:

  • £1 million (£400,000 + £600,000) will be donated to charities and international organizations to support the people of Palestine.
  • 20 children injured in Gaza will receive medical support to be treated in Scotland.
  • The Scottish Government will provide medical support to 20 children, with the first arrivals expected in September.
  • £1.3 million (£400,000 + £600,000 + £400,000 for Kids Operating Room and UN OCHA, respectively) will be spent on humanitarian efforts in Palestine.
  • The Scottish Government will support Scottish legal experts to gather and preserve evidence for international criminal cases.

Sources:

  • [The Scotsman](https://www.thescottman.scot)
  • [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news)
  • [Scottish Government](https://www.gov.scot)

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