Activists set up Gaza solidarity camp at Scottish Parliament demanding UK stops arms sales to Israel

Campaigners have set up an encampment outside the Scottish Parliament in solidarity with Gaza, demanding the UK stops its arms sales to Israel.

The group, called Gaza Solidarity Camp Scotland, set up the camp in Edinburgh on Friday, and say they are made up of residents from the capital. One of the group are said to have also started a hunger strike out of protest.

The group have accused the UK Government of participation in the genocide of Palestinians. They have issued a list of demands, including a permanent ceasefire, an arms embargo and recognition of Palestine, and has pledged not to leave until these are met.

They have also 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.

The action follows similar protests set up at university campuses in the Unites States that have been making headlines where there have been dozens of arrests .

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.

"We have been on the streets demonstrating for an end to the genocide, the occupation, apartheid, and for a free Palestine. We have written to our MPs and MSPs. We have signed petitions. We have attended meetings. We have engaged with panel discussions, events, and other solidarity gatherings. We have used every avenue available to us in Scotland.

"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."

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.”

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