Scottish Leader to Address Gaza Crisis During Trump Meeting
John Swinney plans to raise the “unimaginable suffering in Gaza” during his upcoming meeting with Donald Trump.
The Scottish National party leader described Trump’s four-day trip as significant for relations between Scotland and the U.S.
Before Trump’s arrival on Friday, Swinney stated, “As the president visits, Scotland will be in the global spotlight. This gives us a chance to highlight key issues, including war, peace, democracy, and justice.”
He added, “As first minister, my duty is to advocate for Scotland’s concerns and global humanitarian matters, ensuring our perspective reaches influential government levels.”
Swinney faces growing pressure from his party to take a firm stance on Gaza. Earlier this week, former first minister Humza Yousaf and his wife, Nadia El-Nakla, urged governments to demand Israel open borders for aid. They said El-Nakla’s relatives in Gaza were among those suffering severe food shortages.
El-Nakla, who leads a group supporting Palestine, later told *CuriosityNews* that Swinney must use the meeting to firmly address the “ongoing crisis in Gaza.” She stressed the urgency, stating her family and millions of others face starvation, and urged Swinney to push Trump to act.
Swinney noted that the visit also offers Scotland visibility to highlight its tourism and economic opportunities.
He expressed confidence that anti-Trump protests planned in Aberdeen and Edinburgh would remain peaceful. Increased security measures, including road diversions, are already being implemented.
Police representatives warned that the security operation could strain resources, potentially delaying officers’ response times elsewhere.
Trump will stay at his Turnberry resort and meet U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. He will later travel to Aberdeenshire to mark the opening of a golf course named after his mother.
Though a private visit, Trump and Starmer are expected to discuss key matters.
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