Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2025
I respect Bill Kidd’s sincerity in lodging the motion, as I respect all those who have spoken so far, and I begin by deploring the suffering of innocent people—Palestinians and Israelis alike. The images from Gaza are harrowing. The loss of innocent life, the displacement of families and the deep trauma inflicted on civilians are tragedies that weigh heavily on us all. No one could be indifferent to such human suffering.
However, let me be absolutely clear: I support the right of the state of Israel to defend itself against terrorism. Douglas Ross was right to highlight the atrocities on 7 October. I hope that I am not alone in resolutely opposing Hamas—a violent proscribed terrorist organisation whose actions have inflicted unimaginable suffering on both Israelis and Palestinians. The Parliament cannot ignore the reality that Hamas is not a partner for peace but a death cult, funded by Iran, that is committed to the total destruction of Israel and is utterly indifferent to the suffering of the very people it claims to represent.
I share concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That is why I have asked questions about the nearly £1.5 million of Scottish Government aid that has been committed to Gaza over the past 18 months. As the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee discovered, that aid was intended to be delivered in the form of cash and vouchers to those in need on the ground, but I have raised grave concerns that that well-meaning and well-intentioned support risks being hijacked by Hamas in order to sustain its control and prolong the suffering of civilians.