CAMPAIGNERS have hit out at the UK and Scottish governments' responses to the killing of journalists in Palestine by Israel.
Hossam Shabat, of Al Jazeera Mubasher, and Mohammed Mansour, from Palestine Today, were killed by Israeli airstrikes within hours of each other on March 24.
Campaigners demanded that both Scotland’s governments condemn the targeted attacks, which Israel has confirmed.
Both governments condemned the assassinations earlier this week with the UK Government saying: "It is deeply saddening to hear of further loss of life in Gaza. It is vital that – in all scenarios – civilians are protected, including journalists, who must be able to do their essential work in safety.
“The UK is clear that all parties must re-engage with negotiations to allow a surge of aid into Gaza, the release of the remaining hostages, and secure a permanent end to this conflict.”
The Scottish Government meanwhile said: "The Scottish Government condemns the killing of journalists in Gaza. It is imperative that journalists are able to carry out their vital work in Gaza unimpeded.
“The Scottish Government has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid. It is vital that the ceasefire is re-established and we see progress towards a just and lasting peace.”
Campaigners have now described the responses as a "box ticking exercise", with both statements failing to outline steps to achieve peace.
Activists have said condemnation of Israel without meaningful action "rings hollow", as they insist sanctions must be imposed.
Gerry Coutts of Scotland for Palestine said: “Despite everything the world has witnessed over the last 19 months, including Israel’s brutal targeted killing of journalists, all we’ve heard from the Scottish and UK governments at most is 'we condemn' and no steps to actually prevent the murderous campaign of their ally Israel.
Since October 2023, it has been reported more than 170 journalists have been killed by Israel, which the Committee to Protect Journalists says is the deadliest period for journalists since its records began.
Wael Shawish of the Scottish Palestinian Society added: “In just over 500 days, Israel has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians. Its illegal aid block on Gaza has entered its third week. The World Food Programme this week warned that it has a maximum of two weeks’ worth of food left and “hundreds of thousands of people” are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition.
“Our governments in Holyrood and Westminster can no longer ignore the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They must put their words into action and push for peace by imposing sanctions on Israel, including an embargo on funding and arms sales until it complies with international law.”
Shabat, 23, had prepared a statement in case of his death, saying: “If you’re reading this, it means I have been killed – most likely targeted – by the Israeli occupation forces.”
Mansour was killed in his home in Khan Younis, along with his wife and young child.
Israel has claimed that both men were “terrorists”, saying Shabat was a member of Hamas but failing to give further detail about Mansour.
Shabat was one of six journalists branded terrorists by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) last year, a charge he vigorously denied.
In a video message last year, the Al Jazeera journalist accused Israel of “blatant and belligerent attempt to transform us, the last witnesses in the north, into killable targets”.
