Senior MSPs criticised over membership of ‘Building Bridges With Israel’ cross-party group

Senior Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are facing criticism for their involvement in the ‘Building Bridges With Israel’ cross-party group, despite Israel being under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The lobby group, led by former Tory leader Jackson Carlaw, had Israeli diplomat Oren Marmorstein advocate for targeting hospitals and ambulances at a meeting in November. Among the group’s members are Fergus Ewing from the SNP, Independent John Mason, Labour’s Paul O’Kane, and Tories Murdo Fraser, Jamie Greene, Rachael Hamilton, and Douglas Ross. The minutes of the last meeting revealed that current Tory leader Russell Findlay has been accepted into the group.

However, Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie voiced concerns, urging the MSPs to consider the gravity of the crisis in Gaza and to leverage their influence to call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to destruction, and justice for Palestine. Ben Jamal, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, emphasised that Scotland should not be collaborating with Israel and called for international sanctions to address the situation. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor had sought arrest warrants for senior Hamas and Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Despite the serious allegations, Carlaw defended the group’s continuation, highlighting the importance of standing against antisemitism as a key focus for the Scottish Conservative members. Israel is also facing legal action from South Africa at the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of breaching the UN’s genocide convention in Gaza.

In summary, the involvement of senior MSPs in the ‘Building Bridges With Israel’ group amidst allegations of war crimes in Gaza has sparked controversy and calls for action from various parties and advocacy groups. The debate surrounding dialogue and collaboration with states facing such serious accusations continues to highlight complex international relations and human rights issues.