What we are witnessing in Gaza is a genocide – Thousands of innocent civilians — men, women, and children — have been killed. Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened. Hospitals, schools, and shelters have been bombed. And now, the people of Gaza are being starved, with aid blocked at the borders by the very state inflicting this horror.

This cannot be allowed to continue.

I am deeply disturbed that, even in the face of such overwhelming suffering, Keir Starmer’s Labour Government is still unwilling to take a principled and unequivocal stand. Starmer has confirmed that the UK would “move to recognise” the State of Palestine — but only subject to conditions, including those dictated by the Israeli Government.

– Martyn Day, SNP Candidate

I am staggered that the UK’s recognition of Palestine might be made conditional on the approval of the occupying force. That is morally indefensible.

Statehood is not a privilege to be granted — it is the inalienable right of people the world over.

The SNP has long stood firmly for peace, justice, and international law. That’s why I welcome the announcement by our Westminster Leader, Stephen Flynn MP, that the SNP will press ahead with introducing a Palestine Recognition Bill in the House of Commons when Parliament returns in September — unless the UK Government formally recognises Palestine at the start of the UN General Assembly.

Recognition must not be delayed. It must not be bargained over. It must be:

• Unequivocal
• Irreversible
• Backed by action

That includes a full arms embargo on Israel and meaningful sanctions to pressure an end to the bombing and to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Keir Starmer’s failure to back an immediate ceasefire last year — and his refusal to condemn Israel’s collective punishment — placed the UK on the wrong side of history. His current plan now effectively places the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state in the hands of Benjamin Netanyahu — a man presiding over what international legal experts increasingly agree constitutes genocide.

This is not leadership — it is moral cowardice.

The SNP will not stand by while more lives are lost. Recognition of Palestine must happen now, and it must be based on principle, not preconditions. We must work with the international community to support a just and lasting two-state solution — one that guarantees the safety, dignity and self-determination of both Palestinians and Israelis.

Enough delay. Enough excuses. Enough complicity. The world is watching.