John Swinney condemns 'unbearable' attack on Palestinian aid seekers
Medical teams said that 79 people were killed and more than 150 people were injured, many of them in critical condition.
READ MORE: John Swinney 'received no response' from Keir Starmer on Gaza child evacuations
A statement published by the WFP said that civilians came under fire from Israeli tanks, snipers and other gunfire as the aid convoy approached.
The agency condemned the "violent incident" as it highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, pointing towards around 90,000 woman and children in the enclave who are malnourished.
"We are deeply concerned and saddened by this tragic incident resulting in the loss of countless lives. Many more suffered life-threatening injuries," the statement said.
The agency added: "These people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation. This terrible incident underscores the increasingly dangerous conditions under which humanitarian operations are forced to be conducted in Gaza.
"Today's violent incident comes despite assurances from Israeli authorities that humanitarian operational conditions would improve; including that armed forces will not be present nor engage at any stage along humanitarian convoy routes.
"There should never, ever, be armed groups near or on our aid convoys, as reiterated on many occasions to all parties to the conflict.
"Shootings near humanitarian missions, convoys and food distributions must stop immediately.
"Any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable."
First Minister John Swinney shared the statement on social media as he said: "This statement @WFP is unbearable to read.
First Minister John Swinney (Image: PA) "The international community must require the Israeli Government to stop these attacks and there must be a ceasefire now to allow humanitarian aid to flow."
This statement @WFP is unbearable to read. The international community must require the Israeli Government to stop these attacks and there must be a ceasefire now to allow humanitarian aid to flow. https://t.co/sALpZfp2Ql — John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) July 21, 2025
It comes after Swinney wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to support the evacuation of injured Palestinian children to hospitals in Scotland.
READ MORE: 3 women charged under Terrorism Act after breaching Edinburgh arms factory
The First Minister said that the Scottish Government is looking to medically evacuate children suffering from injuries caused by Israel's ongoing genocide in [[Gaza]], but that this "requires the support of the UK Government".
Over the weekend, the First Minister said he was "extremely disappointed" as he was yet to receive a response from Starmer, two weeks after writing to him.
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And Trump himself does not entirely share Netanyahu's sweeping disregard for international opinion. He disdains it, but he also seeks its approval: he wants that Nobel prize. Steadily, the Israeli public is coming to see the price of the pariah status that Netanyahu has all but cultivated. A small portent is contained in the trouble currently greeting Israeli tourists in Greece. That may be the best way to understand the vehemence with which Israeli officials sought to dismiss Starmer et al this week, insisting in loud, furious statements that they weren't bothered at all. Increasing numbers of Israelis know they do not have the luxury of being Millwall: maybe no one likes them – but quite a lot of them care. Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
