John Swinney: Gaza peace plan ‘moment of relief’

Political leaders in Scotland have welcomed the tentative progress towards peace in Palestine.

First Minister John Swinney described the news as a “moment of relief”, while Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for an "urgent surge in aid" for Gaza.

Both Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of the peace plan set out by US President Donald Trump.

Both sides have agreed to a ceasefire, with Israel set to withdraw troops and Hamas expected to release hostages.

The news came after indirect negotiations took place in Egypt, brokered by US officials.

Israel’s government is set to vote on the plan on Thursday.

Making the comments during FMQs, Swinney said: “I want to welcome the news that Israel and Hamas has agreed to the first phase of the peace plan for Gaza. I call on all sides to abide by the terms of the agreement, the release of all hostages, and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“After more than two years of devastating brutality and loss of life, I know this will be a moment of relief for many people in Scotland and around the world. I reiterate my call that Palestinians and Israelis must be able to live safely side by side, based on a two-state solution, and I dearly hope that this is the first step towards that outcome.

“I express my thanks to all the mediators who have worked so hard to create this moment and this opportunity for peace.”

Sarwar said: “Can I firstly welcome the agreement on a Gaza ceasefire, an end to the bloodshed, and the release of hostages. This must be real, and peace to last – but it must be backed up by an urgent surge in aid into Gaza and a meaningful pathway to an end of the illegal occupation, and the lasting peace where every life, Palestinian or Israeli, is treated as equal.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton also welcomed the news, saying he associated himself with the remarks.

The Greens earlier issued a statement, saying the ceasefire was “long overdue”.

Patrick Harvie said: “We cannot bring back the tens of thousands of people who have been killed, and the international community owes it to them, to their loved ones, and to the Palestinian people as a whole to ensure that a lasting peace can emerge.

“But that can’t happen without justice for Palestine, which is a promise made by the international community decades ago, and left unfulfilled… International pressure must continue to build until the occupation itself is over, and Palestinian lives are rebuilt.”