THE SNP will table a motion at Holyrood this week calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The First Minister Humza Yousaf has urged Scottish Labour to “stand firm” and back the motion.

An amendment to a motion at Westminster last week saw a Labour rebellion as many MPs defied the leadership and backed calls for a ceasefire.

Scottish Labour’s position has been for a ceasefire but reports yesterday suggested the wording of the party’s position north of the border may be altered.

Yousaf said: “This week, the Scottish Parliament has an opportunity to unite to send a message of peace to world leaders and to those enduring untold suffering in the Middle East.

“The motion that will be debated, tabled today, condemns the barbaric and unjustifiable actions of Hamas, and echoes the calls of the UN Secretary-General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

“This is a time for all of us to show leadership in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe. Anas Sarwar must stand firm and back an immediate ceasefire. The motion reflects his own public position on the issue. We will await the detail of the Labour amendment, but it must not water down calls for a ceasefire, as is being reported.

“An immediate ceasefire is the only way to end the tragic deaths of civilians. This week, I urge MSPs of all parties to come together and say enough is enough - the time for a ceasefire is now.”
It was reported in the Scotland On Sunday that a Scottish Labour policy note was issued recognising neither side, Israel nor Hamas was prepared toa accept a ceasefire.

It stated “In order for any ceasefire to work it requires both sides to be willing to comply.

“Sadly Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he will not support a ceasefire and Hamas too have said they intend to continue rocket fire and would commit to repeat the October 7 attacks again and again.”

However, Sarwar told the BBC he would be supporting the position he has maintained for weeks.

He said: “I think four things need to happen immediately. We need the immediate end of rocket fire going out of and into Gaza. That means a ceasefire right now.

“We need the immediate release of hostages.

“We need immediate access to humanitarian aid, that's food, water, electricity fuel going into the Gaza Strip. I believe withholding that is a clear breach of international law.

“And we need a pathway to a peace process because right now we have no peace, and we have no process.”