Minister confirms Scottish Government 'genocide' in Gaza position
Commenting on Mr Swinney's remarks on the radio, Mr McKee said: 'I think John absolutely recognises the reality of the situation.
'I've been on and talked about this on your shows before and absolutely clearly called it a genocide as have other members of the SNP so I think it's very clear that is the situation.'
Asked if describing the situation as a "genocide" was a Scottish Government position, Mr McKee confirmed it was: 'Yes. absolutely. It's a Scottish Government position.
"We are calling on the UK Government to immediately recognise the state of [[Palestine]], to stop all export of arms to [[Israel]] and to put pressure on the [[Israel]]i government.'
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A number of international rights organisations, UN human rights experts, and academics have long accused Israel of committing a genocide in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also examining a case brought by South Africa alleging that Israeli forces are committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.
The Israeli Government has continuously disputed it is committing a genocide.
During his appearance on the radio this morning, Mr McKee also described lawyers' questioning the legal credibility of the Palestinian state under international law as 'utter nonsense' and "disgraceful".
His comments come as Keir Starmer is currently facing pressure from a group of UK lawyers who claim it is not legally possible to recognise [[Palestine]] as a state.
The Prime Minister has so far announced the UK would move towards recognition unless Israel met certain conditions, including agreeing a ceasefire and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution, earlier this week.
However, some prominent lawyers, including Supreme Court judge Lord Collins of Mapesbury and Lord Pannick KC, have warned that Palestine does not meet the legal requirements for statehood under a 1933 treaty.
Under the Montevideo Convention, signed in 1933, the criteria for the recognition of a state under international law are set out as a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
The lawyers argue there is "no certainty" over the borders of Palestine and also that "there is no functioning single government, Fatah and Hamas being enemies".
Commenting on their claims, Mr McKee said: 'That is utter nonsense and it really is very disgraceful from those lawyers bringing that forward.
"When the dust settles on this and we look back on this genocide, those who were complicit in it will have a lot to answer for, like those lawyers who stand up and try and get in the way of the recognition of the state of Palestine.'
The minister pointed out that 146 countries have formally recognised a Palestinian state.
'The UK Government should do that immediately," he insisted as he said what is happening in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis 'created by the Israeli Government'.
During the "Up Close and Personal" interview with John Swinney at the Fringe yesterday, protestors held up bits of paper that spelled the word 'genocide" and some had pictures of starving Gazan children.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Mr Swinney said he understood the anger and frustration that exists about the situation in Gaza.
He said: "And I'm trying to do everything I possibly can do to make sure that we we apply the pressure to do what should be done, which is to get a ceasefire now, to get humanitarian aid in place, and to get recognition of the Palestinian State as an independent, sovereign state as part of a two state solution.
"So that is what I am trying to do. I appreciate people are frustrated that is not happening, but I'm using every opportunity I possibly can find to advance those arguments."
Asked if he would describe the situation as a genocide, the First Minister said: "Well, it's quite clear that there is a genocide in Palestine. It can't be disputed, and I have seen reports of terrible atrocities which have the character of genocide.
"So I've expressed that, and obviously it's not reached all those individuals. But that's my belief."
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