Humza Yousaf brands Israel's actions in Gaza 'tantamount to ethnic cleansing'

First Minister Humza Yousaf has said Israel’s actions in Gaza are “tantamount to ethnic cleansing”.

It comes after Scotland’s leader urged the UK government to make clear to Israel its actions in Gaza have gone “way beyond a legitimate response” to the October 7 attack by Hamas.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Yousaf called on UK ministers to use their influence as a key ally of Israel to push for an end to hostilities.

The first minister stated that the UK government should make clear that Israeli officials – including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military commanders – must be held accountable for the deaths of civilians if the country does not “immediately cease indiscriminate attacks” in Gaza.

He added that Hamas leaders must also be held accountable for the “appalling attacks” against Israeli citizens.

Mr Yousaf said the UK’s government’s refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire was “shameful”.

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Speaking to Sky News, the first minister said: “Frankly, my plea is one of desperation.

“I mean, I am seeing the same images you are seeing and the same images your viewers are seeing, day in and day out.

“And I think it’s tantamount of importance for every single person to raise their voice and say that what we’re seeing from Israel, the indiscriminate attacks we’re seeing, go far beyond a legitimate response.

“They look now like vengeance and have done, I have to say, for quite some time.

“And the UK government is a trusted ally of the Israeli government, and they have to make it clear that not only should there be an immediate ceasefire – and I don’t know how many more children have to die for the UK government to make that pronouncement – but also they should make it clear to their trusted allies and the government of Israel that they will be held to account for any breaches of international law.”

The first minister is calling for aid to enter Gaza on the “scale needed to avert a humanitarian disaster”.

His appeal comes as the UN claimed 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced as a result of the conflict.

The first minister condemned comments by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the country should “encourage migration” of Palestinians from Gaza, drawing international condemnation, including from the US.

Mr Yousaf stated: “Last week, we have heard statements from senior ministers in Netanyahu’s government – the finance secretary, the national security minister – very senior members of Netanyahu’s government, and they have made statements that the population of Gaza should be resettled, moved out of Gaza, and gone as far as saying that Israeli settlements should now be in Gaza.

“If that is not tantamount to ethnic cleansing, then I don’t know what is.

“And I think political leaders should stop beating around the bush, [and] should call what they’re seeing in Gaza by what it is.

“And we are seeing not only a humanitarian crisis, but we’re now seeing senior members of the Netanyahu government making statements that are, frankly, the textbook definition of ethnic cleansing.

“And that should be condemned in the strongest possible manner.”

This week, the UK government released a statement responding to Mr Smotrich, with a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office saying: “Gaza is Occupied Palestinian Territory and will be part of a future Palestinian state.

“The UK firmly rejects any suggestion of the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza.”

South Africa has launched a case at the United Nations’ top court alleging that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.

Mr Yousaf said he supported any probe launched by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC).

He added: “We should be encouraging them to investigate any potential breaches of humanitarian law, any potential war crimes that have been committed, and all the way up [to] genocide.

“Of course, these potential war crimes should be investigated.

“I don’t know how anybody could disagree with that investigation taking place.”

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Mr Yousaf’s brother-in-law and his family live in Gaza.

His mother and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, were visiting the city when the conflict erupted last year.

It took a month for the Dundee couple to escape via the Rafah Border Crossing.

On their return to Scotland, Ms El-Nakla told Sky News she had “left her heart in Gaza”.

In an interview with Beth Rigby, she said: “Until our family and people that we know and love and everyone in Gaza are safe, I don’t think we will get over it and I think my life has changed forever.”

Mr Yousaf said his family in Gaza had recently reported that tanks were stationed only kilometres away.

He added: “And we haven’t heard from them today, so goodness knows whether they’ve survived the night or not.”

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