World leaders must focus on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Middle East, says Swinney
The SNP leader warned of ‘repeated breaches of international law and violations of human rights’.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has called for a ceasefire ahead of the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, and pressed for a two-state solution and recognition of a Palestinian sovereign state.
The SNP leader said the October 7 attacks by Hamas were “heinous” and warned of “repeated breaches of international law and violations of human rights” with “tens of thousands of innocent civilians” killed.
He said Hamas and Hezbollah were “terrorist organisations who pose an ongoing threat to peace in the region”, condemning Iran and its proxies as “rogue actors”.
The statement called for “diplomatic efforts to de-escalate” in the Middle East, and an end to arms sales.
Mr Swinney said: “The situation in the Middle East is terrifying. Since the heinous terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel a year ago, we have witnessed a growing humanitarian disaster unfold before our eyes.
“Tens of thousands of innocent civilians have been killed and millions more face starvation and untold suffering. There have been repeated breaches of international law and violations of human rights.
“Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist organisations who pose an ongoing threat to peace in the region, and Iran and its proxies are rogue actors working to breed instability.
The energy of world leaders must be concentrated on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and achieve an immediate, and lasting ceasefire in the region
“More suffering, more bombs and more innocent lives lost is what these forces want, and it will not achieve peace.
“The strength of world leaders must be focused on an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East – and we know at the heart of this situation is the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“A lasting ceasefire that sees the secure release of all hostages and a two-state solution, that includes the full international recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state, is critical to ending conflict across the region and is the foundation upon which long-term peace in the Middle East can be achieved. We must also see the end to all arms sales that continue to cause civilian deaths.
“The energy of world leaders must be concentrated on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and achieve an immediate, and lasting ceasefire in the region.
“Anything less threatens an all-out regional war which would have serious consequences for all of us across the world.”