Scottish leader apologizes for world’s inaction over Jabalia massacre

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Scottish leader Humza Yousaf called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza on Tuesday, expressing deep regret for the innocent lives lost due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

“I am sorry to those innocent men, women and children in Jabalia Refugee Camp that the world could not protect you. This blatant disregard for human life must be condemned unequivocally. Do not let any more children die. We need an immediate cease-fire, nothing less," he said on X.

A series of Israeli airstrikes on the refugee camp killed hundreds of residents, according to the Interior Ministry in the besieged enclave.

Most of the victims were women and children, it said, adding Israeli warplanes destroyed the entire residential square known as Block 6.

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise cross-border offensive against Israel on Oct. 7.

The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 8,525, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said Tuesday.

“The victims include 3,542 children and 2,187 women, while 21,543 other people were injured,” ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told a press conference in Gaza City.

More than 1,538 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire, saying it would be a "surrender" to Hamas.