Swinney offers condolences to Jewish communities

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney offered support to “traumatised” Jewish communities on the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks.

Mr Swinney branded Hamas a terrorist organisation and vowed to ensure “that people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace” in Scotland.

Since the attacks, the Scottish Government has called for the immediate release of all hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to all who need it, and a two-state solution with sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states.

On Sunday, Mr Swinney reiterated calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.

The First Minister said: “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.

“Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks,

“As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn.

“I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year.

“Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.

“As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”