SCOTS Asians for Independence has written a letter to all elected SNP party members urging for them to push for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Middle East.
It comes as the Rafah crossing point between Egypt and Gaza has finally opened to allow 20 Egyptian trucks carrying medical supplies across.
It follows a week of intense negotiations involving the US, Israel, Egypt and the UN.
The letter, which is addressed to all elected members, calls on everyone to push for a ceasefire at all levels of government - local councils, Scottish Parliament and Westminster.
It reads: "As the convenor of Scots Asians for Independence, I am profoundly dismayed by the violence that has unfolded in the region, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, including men, women and particularly children.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones on both sides, Palestinian and Israeli. The tragic loss of life is unacceptable and must be acknowledged.”
The letter goes on to state that the worst is “yet to come” and calls on elected SNP representatives to “demonstrate courage and leadership by advocating compassion and humanity, insisting the UK Government leverage all resources to bring an immediate end to the violence and prevent the disaster from escalating further”.
It calls for assistance in a number of ways, which include:
- A prompt call for an immediate ceasefire to prioritise the preservation of human life
- Israel immediately ends its siege of Gaza and ensures safe passage for humanitarian aid to be delivered and essential supplies like medical aid, food, water, power and fuel be permitted to enter safely
- All parties comply with international law and ensure that civilians are protected from harm and the return of any hostages. All parties must not target civilians or civilian infrastructure. Where war crimes have been committed, we must take swift action to bring those responsible to the International Court of Justice
- Call for the establishment of a Refugee Resettlement Scheme and increase UK aid to Palestine for the urgent humanitarian needs in partnership with international partners and humanitarian organisations like the Red Cross/Crescent and UN agencies
Today @SNPSAFI has written to all of the @theSNP elected members urging them to ensure that they push for an immediate ceasefire in local councils, the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament pic.twitter.com/QHVoyAp5Uj
— Qasim Hanif 🏴 (@qasiiimh) October 20, 2023
The letter adds that hundreds of individuals have contacted SAFI seeking support in “connecting Muslim communities with our elected SNP members”.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called for a ceasefire at PMQs earlier this week while Humza Yousaf has repeatedly called for one.
The letter was signed by Scots Asians for Independence’s convenor Qasim Hanif, vice-convenor Sid Khan and national secretary Sameeha Rehman.
MP Martyn Day was among those to reply to the letter saying he would “do what I can to raise next week at Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office questions”.
The SNP have been contacted for comment.
