Scottish Government Halts Diplomatic Talks with Israel Amid Criticism and Calls for Gaza Ceasefire

Scottish authorities halt interactions with Israel

Criticism has arisen towards the SNP government following a session involving Scotland's External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson and the Israeli deputy ambassador to the UK.

Scottish correspondent @Jenster13

Monday, August 19, 2024, 4:

The government of Scotland has declared that it will suspend meetings with Israeli diplomatic representatives until significant advancements are achieved in resolving the conflict in Gaza.

The decision follows backlash against the SNP government for a recent discussion held by External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson with Daniela Grudsky, the Israeli Deputy Ambassador to the UK, earlier this month.

On Monday, Mr. Robertson issued an apology for not keeping the meeting exclusively focused on discussions about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

He stated that the appointment with the new ambassador was arranged at the behest of Israel, providing the Scottish government a chance to clearly and firmly convey its stance on the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

"Those were the exact steps I took," Mr. Robertson confirmed.

"It was not the purpose of this meeting to endorse the actions taken by the Israeli government in Gaza."

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Mr. Robinson stated that the Scottish government has consistently and clearly condemned the horrors observed in Gaza.

"However, the truth is that this gathering is widely viewed as a step toward normalizing ties between the governments of Israel and Scotland," he continued.

The MSP for Edinburgh Central stated that the discussion was supposed to focus exclusively on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and stopping the terrible loss of lives there, and he expressed regret that this was not the case.

Further Reading: MSP reaffirms support for Israel statement following SNP whip withdrawal; Bomb detonation in Tel Aviv; British diplomat steps down amid allegations of war crimes.

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The minister stated that after informing the Israeli government about our stance on an immediate ceasefire, it would be inappropriate to agree to any further meetings.

He further stated: "We will maintain this stance until significant advances are made toward peace, there is unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and Israel fully complies with its international duties concerning the investigation of genocide and war crimes."

"The Scottish administration is unwavering in its advocacy for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, the liberation of all captives, a cessation of UK weapons shipments to Israel, and the acknowledgment of an independent Palestinian nation as part of a two-state resolution."

It was only revealed that the meeting took place with Ms. Grudsky two weeks ago after she shared a photo on X with Mr. Robertson.

Responding to critiques, First Minister John Swinney defended his actions as "essential," enabling his administration to clearly communicate the urgency of an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza.

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