As he joined calls for a ceasefire, the First Minister reported the severance of telecommunications and his loss of contact with his wife’s parents.
Escalation of Ground Operations
Due to nighttime Israeli ground operations, Humza Yousaf lost contact with his family in Gaza.
Tonight, the Israeli Defence Forces announced that their ground operations had been “substantially expanded,” while reports indicate that internet connectivity in Gaza has been completely severed.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly affirmed that Israel was “expanding their military campaign against Hamas” via social media.
He stated that the safety of British nationals in Gaza and the surrounding area remains the United Kingdom’s highest priority.
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We continue to advocate for the protection of Palestinian civilians in accordance with IHL [international human rights law] and in support of Israel’s right to self-defense.
Mr. Yousaf asserted on X, formerly Twitter, the following: “Gaza is being bombarded heavily.
“Communications have been interrupted.” We can’t reach our relatives in this conflict zone for over three weeks.
“All we can do is hope that they manage to survive the night.” How many more children must perish before the international community reaches a consensus?
Calls for Ceasefire and International Response
Senior Labour politicians beyond Westminster have broken ranks to demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, increasing the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who, like the government, only supports a humanitarian respite.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Sadiq Khan, and Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, are among those who advocate for the Labour leadership to bolster its stance and support a complete cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Sir Keir, along with Rishi Sunak, the United States, and most recently the European Union, advocates for “humanitarian pauses” in the conflict. He also defends Israel’s right to defend itself against the militants responsible for a surge of violence in the country earlier this month, which authorities claim claimed over 1,400 lives.
Doubtlessly imploring him to support a ceasefire to avert an escalation of the conflict, the Labour leader has infuriated members of parliament with his inaction.
Humanitarian Appeal
Mr. Yousaf also issued a ceasefire call earlier on Friday, stating in a letter to political leaders in the United Kingdom, including Mr. Sunak, that “the killing of innocent civilians, wherever it occurs, can never be justified.”
Mr. Yousaf stated that while Israel has the right to defend itself against aggression. It must do so in accordance with international law, just like every other nation.
We must unite and demand that all parties stop hostilities to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. This will enable the safe passage of innocent civilians seeking refuge and life-saving supplies into the region.
The state of affairs in Gaza is approaching a catastrophic level.” Each and every one of us must make every effort to avert that. “There can be no further postponement or hesitation; collectively, we must demand an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
Concern for Families in Conflict Zones
His wife, Nadia El Nakla,’s parents were visiting family in Gaza when Hamas attacked Israel, Mr. Sunak said last month.
The First Minister stated that his Dundee-based parents-in-law “have been in Gaza and, alas, remain trapped there at the moment.”
The First Minister stated that concern for his wife’s parents prevents him and his spouse from sleeping.
“We cannot sleep – we are constantly watching our phones,” he continued.
We expect a response after sending our message.
“I’m concerned about my family,” he continued. Many individuals, including members of the Jewish community in Scotland, will express great concern about their family members in Israel who have lost their lives.
Since defenseless civilians frequently bear the brunt of the conflict’s consequences despite having nothing to do with the terror exerted by Hamas, the loss of life, or the conflict itself, my thoughts are with all those affected.
