HUMZA Yousaf has taken aim at the “dreadful, biased, and inaccurate reporting” on Israel and Palestine as he appeared in fashion magazine Grazia Pakistan.
The former first minister spoke to the magazine for their January 2025 edition, and shared images of himself taken for it on social media.
“I can safely say that I am the world's least likely fashion icon, but nonetheless enjoyed chatting to the wonderful team at @graziapak including the incomparable [Kaniz Ali],” he said on Instagram.
“We chatted all things politics, and importantly what the world needs to do so we see peace for the people of Palestine.”
I think it is safe to say I am the world's least likely fashion icon! Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed my chat with @graziapak & @KANIZMAKEUP on all things politics, Pakistan, and Palestine. You can read the interview here 👇https://t.co/S8cRp8azMw pic.twitter.com/0MY6q3II8e
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) January 16, 2025
In the interview, Yousaf spoke about his time as an MSP and first minister, as well as the fact that he was the first Muslim leader of a western nation – and the first European leader to call for a ceasefire in Gaza after the Hamas attacks of October 7.
Asked about the media’s role in Israel’s war on Palestine, he said: “I have never witnessed such dreadful, biased and inaccurate reporting from some media outlets, particular Western-based media outlets, in all my life.”
He went on: “We see the evidence of mass killings and slaughter on our smartphones, it is being live-streamed into our living rooms, and yet we get headlines that tell us children in Gaza are being killed, but failing to mention that it was an Israeli airstrike that killed them.
“The difference in reporting in Ukraine in comparison to what is happening in Gaza is a blatant demonstration of not just the bias that exists, but also the racism. It is a sad fact, that for far too many institutions, government and media, Arab and Muslim lives simply do not matter.
“The hypocrisy of some Western media outlets and of many Western governments is leading to an increased anger amongst those who are pro-humanity and want to see an end to the atrocities we are witnessing.
“It is undoubtedly one of the reasons, other alternative media sources are gaining in popularity.”
Asked what he would have done if not politics, Yousaf said: “If I had not gone into politics I would have studied law. I have a significant interest in international law, and the fact that regrettably it is breached so often and without appropriate accountability.
“I could see myself in another life as a prosecutor in the International Criminal Court.”
Asked what he will do next, Yousaf said: “There is far too much conflict in the world, and the innocent are the ones who pay the heaviest price. I want to contribute my efforts to conflict resolution and mediation where I can.
“I also worry about what I see happening in the UK, Europe and across the west with the rise of the far-right driven by the hatred of Muslims. I am exploring potential ways to work with others to combat the rise of far-right extremism across the world.
“How do we make sure those who are seeking to bring communities together, not drive them apart, are properly resourced and have the appropriate skills, particularly in digital content creation?
“I have rarely planned my life ahead, but taken opportunities where they have been presented. I suspect whatever I do in the next five years will come as an opportunity that is too good to resist!”
You can find the full interview on the Grazia Pakistan website.
