A SCOTTISH Government minister called for a ceasefire during a meeting with an Israeli diplomat.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson met with Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK, at St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh on Thursday – and reiterated the Scottish Government’s position on the situation in the Middle East.
An official statement released by the Scottish Government on Monday gave an overview of what was discussed by Robertson and Grudsky Ekstein.
A Scottish Government source told The National the Israeli embassy had requested the meeting was not publicised until Monday over concerns for the deputy ambassador.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, met the deputy ambassador of Israel to the UK, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, on August 8.
“They discussed areas of mutual interest, including culture, renewable energy, and engaging the country’s respective diasporas.
“Following the criminal and far-right acts we have seen in parts of England and Northern Ireland, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised the Scottish Government’s continued work with Police Scotland to protect Scotland’s faith communities and tackle all hate crimes, including antisemitism, head on.
“Mr Robertson reiterated the Scottish Government’s position in calling for an immediate ceasefire by all sides in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the opening of safe routes to allow more humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza."
