Following a meeting with the Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador,
External Affairs Secretary said:
“Two weeks ago, I met the new Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador at
their request.
“We anticipated the Deputy Ambassador would raise concerns about
antisemitism, as well as other issues.
“It was rightly for me to decide whether to take the meeting,
however, as is normal practice, the First Minister was made aware
before the meeting happened.
“My view was that given the Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador had
requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish
Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that.
“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising
the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish
Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of
the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza.
“The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by
many to represent a normalisation of relations between the
Israeli and Scottish Governments.
“As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure
that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of
life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not
happen.
“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.
“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.
“The Scottish Government does not support any normalisation of
its relations with the Israeli Government during this period.
“The Scottish Government will never hold back in expressing
support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all
hostages, an end to UK arms being sent to Israel, and the
recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state
solution.”
