Scottish Labour Party leader demands 'cease-fire right now' in Gaza

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, called for the immediate release of hostages, access to humanitarian supplies, and a cease-fire in Gaza in response to the ongoing conflict.

In a video posted on X on Friday, Sarwar emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that "these are dark times" and people are desperate for peace.

"And that's why we need to see the immediate release of hostages, immediate access to humanitarian supplies, food, medicine, electricity, water into Gaza, the immediate cessation of violence with an end to rocket fire into and out of Gaza," he said.

"And let me be clear, that means a cease-fire right now," said Sarwar.

He said there is a need for "a proper peace process" but "sadly right now there is no peace and no process".

"That's the only way we can see a safe, secure and free Palestine and a safe, secure and free Israel," he said.

Sarwar reiterated that he condemned the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas and stressed that there is no justification for the collective punishment of the people of Gaza.

"I've always argued for the cause of peace, a two-state solution with an end to occupation and end to siege and everyone be able to live with the peace and freedom they deserve," he said.

Sarwar added: "Because only when every life is treated as equal will we see peace, the peace of the people of Israel and the people of Palestine so desperately need so desperately deserve."

The current conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically after Hamas' military wing carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7 by firing thousands of rockets and sending hundreds of fighters into Israeli towns.

Israel responded with an uninterrupted campaign of air and artillery strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the government announced that it is preparing for a ground offensive to root out Hamas.

More than 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,326 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.