Gaza solidarity camp set up outside Scottish Parliament

Activists have set up a camp on land near the Scottish Parliament in solidarity with people in Gaza as they accused the UK and Scottish governments of “complicity” in the “ongoing genocide”.

They declared the camp, set up in Edinburgh on Friday, “a liberated zone” and have raised Palestinian flags around the tents.

The group, named Gaza Solidarity Camp Scotland, has issued a series of demands, including a permanent ceasefire, an arms embargo and recognition of Palestine, and has pledged not to leave until these are met.

In a statement, the group said: “We are here in protest against Scottish and UK government complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We will stay here until our demands are met.”

The campaigners said they have used “every avenue available to us in Scotland”, including demonstrating on the streets, writing to MPs and MSPs and signing petitions.

They said: “Yet, the genocide continues, and every day we see the new worst thing we’ve ever seen.

“We receive condolences and empty outrage/condemnations from people in positions of power, and yet the sale of weapons and arms that enable this genocide continue.

“We are here because we’ve had enough. We will not be complicit in genocide.

“We are here with demands. We are here in solidarity with Gaza, and we will continue the fight for a free Palestine.”

The group has urged the Scottish Government to apply pressure on the UK Government to enact an embargo on all Israeli arm sales and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister has been clear throughout that an immediate and sustained ceasefire by all sides is required to prevent further loss of innocent life and an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and that any breach or potential breach of international law, including the crime of genocide, be investigated by the appropriate international bodies.

“The First Minister has also called for the immediate release of all hostages.

“It is incumbent on the UK Government to consider the implications of the International Court of Justice and make clear to the government of Israel that it has now moved far beyond a legitimate response to the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The UK is committed to securing an immediate humanitarian pause to get more aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.”