Scottish leader announces end to public funding for companies arming Israel

Scotland will halt providing public funds to firms arming Israel, the first minister announced on Wednesday, urging the UK government to withdraw from the proposed UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement, negotiations on which were suspended by London in May.

Speaking to members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs) in Holyrood, John Swinney said they will stop providing public money to companies arming Israel.

"We will pause new awards of public money to arms companies whose products or services are provided to countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide being committed by that country," he said. "That will include Israel."

The pause will apply to new grants provided, or investments made, by the Scottish government, Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank.

"Any defense company seeking support from the Scottish government will have to demonstrate that its products are not involved militarily with Israel," Swinney said.

He called on the British government to review steps to be taken in line with the UK's "duty in international law to respond when there is a serious risk of genocide," and withdraw from the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement.

- More humanitarian support to Gaza

Swinney announced a £400,000 ($537,000) grant to the Scottish charity, Kids Operating Room, to establish a Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub in Scotland. Funding, he said, will help unlock an additional $15 million to deliver a rapidly deployable hospital in Gaza.

He said £600,000 will be donated to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)-led Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

His remarks came ahead of a parliamentary debate on an amendment tabled by the Scottish Greens for an immediate boycott of Israel and companies complicit in the genocide in Gaza, and the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Swinney said that without the actions, the Scottish government could be at risk of not operating within the law.

Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, labelled the situation in Gaza as "beyond intolerable."

"We need the bloodshed to stop right now," he said, labelling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal."

He said Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, must be held to account and face justice for his actions. He also welcomed the UK government's commitment to recognizing Palestine.

- 'We all have a moral and legal responsibility to act'

Following his speech, Swinney urged the international community to action, saying, "We all have a moral and legal responsibility to act."

"Let’s be clear -- a genocide is unfolding in Gaza as a result of Israel’s actions," the first minister said on US social media X, noting that Scotland will play its part.

He urged the British government to unconditionally recognize the state of Palestine, sanction the Israeli security Cabinet and those responsible for illegal settlements.

Swinney also reiterated his call on the UK to ban imports from settlements and suspend the UK–Israel Free Trade Agreement.

"We also urgently need a ceasefire. The genocide must end. Now," he added.

- Palestinian flag flown in front of First Minister's Office in Edinburgh

The Palestinian flag, meanwhile, is being flown in front of St Andrew's House, headquarters of the Scottish government in Edinburgh.

Swinney said the flag is being flown "as an indication of Scotland’s solidarity with the people of Palestine."

Sharing a photo featuring the Palestinian flag flying in front of the government building, the first minister noted that he is proud that parliament has overwhelmingly voted to call for the recognition of Palestine.

"Scotland stands proudly in solidarity with the people of Gaza in the face of genocide," he added.

Israel has launched a brutal military offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 63,700 Palestinians since late 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.