In a speech before the Scottish Parliament, Sweeney welcomed the British government's intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly meetings this September, stressing that this recognition must be "unconditional and irreversible."
He explained that "the situation in Gaza represents a man-made humanitarian disaster," noting that more than 63,000 people have been killed, while residents live amidst a stifling famine and widespread destruction in most areas of the Strip.
Sweeney pointed out that his government had previously called on London to recognize the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, in line with the international consensus on the two-state solution, adding that "recognition is a right of the Palestinian people, not a gift from international powers."
The Scottish Prime Minister emphasized that recognition of the State of Palestine must be accompanied by sanctions against the Israeli government, while calling for an end to military cooperation with it "as long as the war and genocide in Gaza continue."
He also stressed the need for the United Kingdom to take concrete steps against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including imposing sanctions on officials involved in these practices, withdrawing from the free trade agreement with Tel Aviv, and banning the import of settlement products, as Ireland has done.
Sweeney added, "While we welcome London's decision to suspend some arms export licenses to Israel, what is required is a comprehensive halt to all arms exports."
Editor's Picks
As the occupation begins its operation in Gaza, Trump calls on Hamas to release all detainees.
The occupation army officially announces the start of the occupation of the entire Gaza Strip. The resistance targets Israeli soldiers and vehicles.
Belgian Foreign Minister: Our recognition of Palestine is a strong message to Israel. Netanyahu attacks Brussels following the decision.
The number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails has risen to 11,100, including 49 women and 400 children.
The Scottish Prime Minister stated that he shares the concerns of other countries and world leaders that what is happening in Gaza amounts to genocide, stressing that there is documented evidence proving that Israel is committing genocide.
In concluding his remarks, the Scottish Prime Minister called on the British government to uphold the rule of international law and join South Africa in its case before the International Court of Justice, as well as to commit to implementing the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials.
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, is also considering a lawsuit filed by South Africa and supported by several other countries to prosecute Israel for genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 63,633 martyrs, 160,914 wounded, most of them children and women, thousands missing, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 367 Palestinians, including 131 children.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir officially announced the launch of Operation Gideon 2, which aims to occupy the entirety of Gaza City after encircling it and displacing Palestinians from it.
