The Scottish parliament, or the Holyrood, overwhelmingly voted Tuesday in favor of a motion that demands a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
MSPs (Member of Scottish Parliament) backed the government’s motion for a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.
A total of 90 lawmakers voted in favor of the motion with 28 against.
First Minister Humza Yousaf reiterated his condemnation of Hamas’s attacks against Israel on Oct. 7, during the debate, but he criticized Israeli attacks in response against the besieged enclave.
"Israel has a right, like any other country in the world, to protect its citizens from terror. However, no country, Israel included, has a right to ignore international humanitarian law," he said. "That is why this government has repeatedly called for an end to the 16-year blockade and siege of Gaza.”
Anas Sarwar backs cease-fire motion
Labour leader Anas Sarwar backed the cease-fire motion and said it was "vital that we see a cessation of all violence" in the region, but that "all sides must be willing to comply."
Scottish Conservatives were the only side in the Holyrood not to back a cease-fire.
