THE Palestinian ambassador to the UK has praised Scotland’s support for Palestine in a speech to trade unionists in Dundee.
Speaking to delegates at the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) annual congress, Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot spoke of the need for continued solidarity with Palestine in an emergency session on the crisis in Gaza.
It comes as the latest death toll in the region has reached more than 33,800 people, with half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people being pushed to the brink of starvation.
“I fully feel among friends,” Zomlot (above) said as he appeared via video link in Caird Hall.
Zomlot discussed the longstanding relationship between Scotland and Palestine, with the first British city to be twinned with a Palestinian city being Dundee – where the STUC annual congress is being held – with Nablus.
He also praised the Scottish people and the trade union movement for their continued support for the Palestinian cause, such as through demonstrations and fundraising.
“You give us hope. This is now a global movement for Palestine which has united the masses to speak with one voice, to become an unstoppable force.
“Trade unions in Scotland, in the UK and around the world are at the forefront of this movement.
“You represent the voice of conscience and humanity for Palestinian liberation and return – even in these darkest moments in Palestine’s history, there is hope that reason will overcome irrational bias.”
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar defies UK Labour over arms exports to Israel at STUC congress
Zomlot condemned the lack of action from the UK government to criticise Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“Despite the mountain of evidence of Israeli war crimes, the UK continues to resist calls to take stronger actions against what it says is a lie,” he said.
“This raises so many questions that are simply not being asked of the British Government.
“What kind of ally makes you complicit in the worst of international crimes? What kind of ally drags you into wider regional confrontation? What kind of ally is continuing to consolidate an illegal 57-year-old occupation contradicting even the UK’s own policies and laws?
“How did the British political establishment, across the political spectrum, become so engulfed with Israel that it cannot see Israel for what it is?”
We are watching genocide unfolding before our very eyes
The emergency session was led by STUC general secretary Roz Foyer (below), who spoke about the need for the trade union movement in Scotland to demonstrate their support for Palestine.
Speaking to the National before the session, Foyer said the STUC make “absolutely no apologies” for allocating part of their agenda to reiterating the STUC’s “longstanding support” for the people of Palestine.
“I don’t think there is any time more important than right now,” she said.
READ MORE: Scotland's local authorities are on the 'brink of collapse', warns trade union boss
“You can see the human tragedy unfolding, we’re facing a complete humanitarian disaster in Palestine.
“Right now, every day is vital. Women, children, journalists, aid workers – innocent people are dying, and that is completely unacceptable.
“Given that we are watching genocide unfolding before our very eyes, this has to stop. It’s incumbent on every single person right across the world who has a shred of humanity in them to do anything they can to help the people of Palestine.”
As part of the emergency session, the STUC also voted to call for an immediate halt of UK arms sales to Israel, a sentiment echoed by both First Minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar during speeches given to delegates.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel