MEMBERS of the Scottish Parliament joined hundreds of protesters outside government buildings yesterday in Edinburgh in support of the people of Gaza.

Albie O’Neill of Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: “It went exceptionally well. The leaders of Labour, the Lib-Dems and Greens joined the protest and it was supported by SNP Members of the Scottish parliament.”

The demonstration followed Monday’s call from the Scottish Parliament for an arms embargo against Israel, and for a United Nations-led investigation into Israeli war crimes.

Dr Esam Hijjawi, a Palestinian living and working in Scotland, said: “The Scottish government call is a step in the right direction and reflects the position of the Scottish public who have made their position clear throughout the country in daily acts of solidarity and support for our just cause for freedom.

“While we can only hope that the Westminster government will heed the call of the Scottish government and follow the lead of several countries like Spain, which has announced a total arms embargo on Israel, we are still very grateful to the Scottish people for their tremendous support and solidarity for our legitimate struggle for freedom.”

Glasgow City Council confirmed yesterday it would raise the Palestinian flag over the city chambers today in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty has written to the mayor of Bethlehem to inform her of the gesture. Glasgow is twinned with the West Bank city.

And nationwide protests are planned on Saturday over Israel’s murderous attack on the people of Gaza.

London is expected to see its biggest demonstration in support of Palestine — and dozens more are planned in towns and cities across Britain. 

Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign has also organised a demonstration in Edinburgh.