Former Scottish Government minister booed at Palestine march
Keith Brown's comments on the conflict were drowned out by the crowd
The SNP deputy leader was booed at a pro-Palestine march in Glasgow after saying in a speech that Israel has a right to “defend itself”.
Keith Brown, the former justice minister, spoke at the event on Buchanan Steps where thousands of people had gathered to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The rally – which also saw an emotional speech from an eight year old Palestinian girl – was one of several across Scotland today, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, as well as in London.
Mr Brown was the first speaker at the event and stressed he was speaking in his personal capacity.
He said: “We need to be clear, collective punishment is a war crime, and it's wrong that the Palestinian people are currently being collectively punished for the actions of a terrorist group," he said.
"The only way that we're going to end the perpetual cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine is by addressing the root cause.
"That's why we stand for a two state solution, which recognises the sovereignty, the independence, the territorial integrity and the right to self determination of both Palestine and Israel."
He lost the crowd further into the speech when he continued: “As I say, Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorism."
The statement prompted boos from the hundred of people listening, with the former minister having to finish his speech over the noise.
Later, the crowd was addressed by Jeewan Wadi, who was born in Gaza in 2014.
The eight year old was helped by her father to stand on top of a speaker so she could see over the banners to the marchers.
She spoke of a friend she had been visiting just two months ago in Gaza, who has since been killed in the conflict.
She said: “Listen everybody, I only care about the children, babies, women and men that are getting bombed in their own homes," she said.
Ending her remarks, Jeewan led the crowd in a chant of "ceasefire now".
The demonstration was planned by organisers to avoid the Remembrance Garden in nearby George Square to allow veterans and the public to mark Armistice Day in peace.
It comes after tensions in London around a planned march being seen by some groups to threaten the Cenotaph, despite the rally there taking place an hour after the 11am silence, and starting in Hyde Park to avoid the area.
Recent comments from home secretary Suella Braverman were rebuffed in speeches in Glasgow this afternoon, with Stop the War Coalition Jonathon Shafi mentioning her in his speech.
He said: “Suella Braverman tried to stop us from marching, but in London today, I can report that the largest demonstration for Palestine in British political history is now taking place.”
He then went on to call for a motion in Holyrood in support of a ceasefire.
The Scottish Greens have already submitted such a motion, while former SNP MSP Sandra White told the crowd on Saturday current member Ivan McKee would submit another one.
Reports have also suggested that the Alba Party, through newly defected MSP Ash Regan, plans to submit a motion as well.
Eight riot vans and a heavy police presence were in attendance at the march, but despite this, it remained overwhelmingly peaceful.
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