Scotland’s hospitals are on standby to treat civilians affected by the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, the Scottish Government has said.
External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf has written to British Foreign Secretary William Hague to express his concern at the violence on both sides of the conflict.
The Scottish Government has called for an immediate end to hostilities, including a cessation of both rocket attacks and air strikes to de-escalate the situation.
In the letter, Mr Yousaf sets out the offer made by Scottish hospitals, and asks Mr Hague to consider doing the same in England.
Mr Yousaf said: “We are deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza and the escalating violence on both sides, and particularly the humanitarian impact on civilians.
“Scotland stands ready to offer whatever assistance we can – and it is in that spirit that we make this offer, to give specialist medical help to civilians caught up in the conflict should medical evacuation be possible.
“The Scottish Government also believes that the continuation of the blockade in Gaza is exacerbating the suffering experienced by the people there.
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“For that reason, I have today asked William Hague to exert further pressure on the Israeli government to bring that blockade to an end.”
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson added: “Should medical evacuation become possible, we will work closely with doctors in Gaza to determine what kind of specialist care we are able to offer.”
