In These New Times

The Scottish Government joins wide range of people in the international community calling for an immediate ceasefire and also free access for humanitarian supplies.

“I’ve written to the Israeli ambassador to reiterate that call.”

Ministers are in contact with non-governmental organisations in Scotland who are operating in the region and are ready to consider bids for humanitarian support in Gaza.

Labour’s Pauline McNeill said Edinburgh Direct Aid and other groups are standing by to take medical supplies, donated by health boards, to Gaza when it is safe to do so.

She asked whether emergency medicines could be donated by Scottish hospitals which are “desperately” needed.

Mr Salmond said: “The whole of Scotland has been shocked by the scenes we’ve seen from Gaza.

“And people understand that warfare conducted in what is a confined strip of land inevitably carries with it the risk of substantial civilian casualties.”

He added that he will look “imaginatively and constructively” at any proposals where the skill and abilities of the health service in Scotland can be of assistance.

Tory Ted Brocklebank questioned whether in future appeals it would not be “wiser” for Mr Salmond to call for an appeal from both sides.

The First Minister said: “I’m happy to say that – that’s what a ceasefire means.”

But he said Israel as a state must abide by international law in how it conducts military activities and the implications for civilians.