Humza Yousaf calls for UN resolutions to be stuck by after Iran strikes
The First Minister is warning there cannot be further loss of life in the region
The First Minister is calling on the international community to “demand” parties involved in escalating tensions in the Middle East abide by UN Security Council resolutions.
His comments come after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel in the early hours of this morning, following a strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria at the start of the month.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Humza Yousaf condemned the attempted attack on Israel, as he has “all and every regional escalation”.
He added: “There is not going to be a military solution to the conflict we see in the Middle East, there is only going to be a political and diplomatic solution."
"Violence begets violence"
The attack comes amid continued tension surrounding Israel’s conflict against Hamas in Gaza, as well as low-level fighting against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia in the north.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran, with whom Israel have had a tense relationship for years.
Mr Yousaf continued: “We know that violence begets violence and therefore it's imperative now that the international community demand - not request, but demand - that all parties abide by UN security resolutions, such as a call for an immediate ceasefire (in Gaza)."
He finished by saying: “We can't afford to see any more loss of life, because innocent civilians have already had to pay far too high a price for the actions of a number of countries and therefore we need to see de-escalation as opposed to further escalation in the region."
"We can't afford to see any more loss of life"
Israel has hailed their response to the attack as a success, saying 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted.
Asked if they would respond, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the country would do what was needed to protect its citizens.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a short message on X, formerly Twitter, saying: "We intercepted. We blocked. Together, we will win."
Rear Admiral Hagari said minor damage was caused to an Israeli airbase, but that it was still functioning.
Rescuers said a seven-year-old girl was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries.
300 missiles and drones fired towards Israel
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his support for Israel, saying: “We stand by the security of Israel and the wider region, which is of course important for our security here at home too.
"What we now need is for calm heads to prevail, we will be working with our allies to de-escalate the situation and I am looking forward to meeting with G7 leaders this afternoon."
He condemned the attacks in the “strongest terms”, adding it was a “dangerous and unnecessary escalation”.
RAF assistance
RAF jets assisted in Israel’s defence, and a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.
"We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK's existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.
“We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation."