Scotland's First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has expressed his country's readiness to become the first nation to welcome refugees from Gaza, envisioning Scotland as a "sanctuary" within a proposed "worldwide refugee scheme.
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Yousaf, who leads the Scottish government, took to social media to declare that "the people of Gaza are a proud people," and that Scotland is prepared to offer them refuge.
"Many don't want to leave, and shouldn't have to. But for those displaced, who want to leave, there should be a worldwide refugee scheme. Scotland is willing to be a place of sanctuary and be the first country to take those refugees," Yousaf stated.
In a video attached to his post, Yousaf, whose wife is of Scottish Palestinian descent, spoke of the pride of the people of Gaza and Palestine. "They're proud of their culture, they're proud of their county, they're proud of their land," he said.
The First Minister emphasized that those who do not wish to leave their homeland should not be forced to do so. He called for global involvement in the crisis, specifically mentioning Europe and America.
Yousaf also highlighted Scotland's history of generosity, pointing out that the country has previously provided refuge to Ukrainians and Syrians. "Let's say that Scotland will be a place of sanctuary," he proposed.
Born in Scotland to Pakistani parents, Yousaf is a practicing Muslim and is married to a Palestinian-Scot.
In an interview at the Scottish National Party's annual conference, Yousaf expressed his feelings of powerlessness in protecting his family members residing in Gaza, including his father-in-law and brother-in-law. As reported by TimCast, Yousaf shared a video message from his mother-in-law and urged Israel to establish humanitarian corridors.
[Its an] appeal to the international community, to set up international corridors, to end collective punishment, to allow supplies to come in, to allow the innocent people of Gaza to come out, Yousaf implored.
Yousaf insisted that innocent civilians should not bear the brunt of military tactics. "What has to happen now, immediately, today is the opening up of a humanitarian corridor," he demanded.
The Scottish official also called on Israel to permit the flow of supplies, medicine, food, and fuel into Gaza, following allegations that Israeli forces have blocked all incoming supplies.
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