THE SNP have been called out for being the only pro-independence party not to sign a pledge condemning Israel's atrocities in Gaza.
Last month, the non-party-affiliated Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) urged the leaders of pro-independence parties to sign a pledge condemning the Gaza genocide in the “strongest possible terms” and to “commit to sanctioning Israel where possible and to pushing all Scottish business and suppliers to divest from Israeli products”.
The letter calls for Israel to be banned from taking part in international events such as football championships and Eurovision, as well as divesting Scottish Government and local authority pension schemes to any companies who have links to arming Israel.
It also asks Yes leaders to “commit to doing all within their power to uphold international law and to arresting anyone suspected of war crimes that steps on Scottish soil, support and promote the key organisations and the United Nations offering aid to the Palestinian people; demand that the UK Government do the same, sanction Israel, end any complicity and end all arms trading with Israel without exception”.
Alba leader Kenny MacAskill and Scottish Greens co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie have signed the pledge.
But while The National understands that John Swinney was also approached, he has not signed.
Swinney had previously condemned Israel for blocking aid entering Gaza, and said there was a “need to end the conflict” in discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
But the SIC said while this language was welcome, there was a need for the SNP Government "to act".
"We know the leader of the SNP deplores the appalling war crimes Israel has committed in Gaza. We know that the Scottish Government has limited powers," a statement from the SIC executive said.
"But it is also important to act. We want the SNP Government to identify the initiatives they can take to boycott Israel and to put pressure on businesses and organisations in Scotland to participate in this boycott.
"That what we are asking them to sign up to."
When contacted by The National to ask why they had not joined the Greens and Alba in signing the pledge, the SNP said they had "been absolutely clear" on their position.
A spokesperson said: “The SNP have been absolutely clear that we unequivocally support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a halt on arms sales to Israel, and the recognition of an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.”
