Scottish Parliament Imposes Total Boycott on Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
The Scottish Parliament has voted to impose an immediate and total boycott of Israel and companies linked to its military campaign in Gaza, underscoring a rare parliamentary stand in Europe against the ongoing war, reports 24brussels.
The motion, introduced by the Scottish Green Party, received approval with 62 votes in favor and 31 against. Numerous Labour and Liberal Democrat members chose to abstain, while the Scottish Conservatives opposed the measure. The resolution urges both the Scottish and UK governments to adopt boycotts, divestment strategies, and sanctions targeting Israel and businesses deemed complicit in its actions.
Support for the measure came from the Scottish Greens and the Scottish National Party (SNP), which included an amendment from External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson calling for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
In a landmark move, the Scottish Parliament has passed a resolution mandating a full boycott of “Israel” and entities tied to its military operations in #Gaza. The decision came following mounting concern over the genocide in the besieged territory.
The motion, introduced by the… pic.twitter.com/51X1ZayZF9
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 5, 2025
Green MSP Patrick Harvie, who tabled the motion, expressed hope that this vote would sway broader European discussions. “Palestinians are starving and being massacred daily as part of a campaign of collective punishment and ethnic cleansing. It is our duty to act,” he stated.
First Minister John Swinney announced that alongside the boycott, Scotland will block public funding to companies supplying arms to Israel. He also committed £400,000 to the “Gaza HOPES Field Preparation Center” in Scotland, aimed at supporting the establishment of a rapid-deployment field hospital for Gaza.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions,” Swinney asserted. “The world cannot wait for a definitive judicial ruling to act. A genocide is taking place, and recognizing that reality comes with the responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less.”
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Palestinian flag was raised outside St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh following the vote.
Since October 2023, Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 64,231 Palestinians and injured 161,583, with the majority being women and children, according to figures presented during the debate.
With this boycott and pledged humanitarian support, Scotland aligns itself with a small group of European governments willing to take direct political action against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
