There have been renewed calls for Westminster to suspend arms sales to Israel following reports that bombs raining on Gaza may be partly made in Fife.
Humza Yousaf, the Scottish Government Minister for External Affairs and International Development, said: “We must be certain that any military equipment from Scotland and the UK is not being used in violation of international safeguards to ensure we are not complicit in any heinous actions.”
His plea comes as fears grow that Israeli bombs killing civilians on the ground are fitted with laser-guidance systems which were made in Scotland.
It has been suggested that bombs with such laser systems like those made by international company Raytheon at its plant in Glenrothes have been photographed falling on communities in Palestine.
A Paveway II weapon can be seen in the images and Raytheon, one of the world’s biggest arms firms, are one of only two companies to make that smart bomb.
Sites around the globe, including Fife, make components for Raytheon’s products, which are then assembled in America.
Mr Yousaf said: “There are claims military equipment containing parts made in UK are being used against residents of Gaza. That is why earlier this week I called for an immediate suspension of UK arms sales to Israel while an investigation takes place.”
He added: “It is hard not to be moved by reports of the distressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Every day we hear of more ordinary people, many of them children, whose lives are being torn apart as their homes, schools, beaches and hospitals are obliterated.
“As a Government, we are adding our voice to those in the international community calling for an immediate, longer term ceasefire to put an end to the violence in Gaza, which is causing so many civilian deaths and injuries.”
Around 2,000 Scottish supporters of Palestinian rights took part in a rally at the Mound in Edinburgh on Saturday as part of a day of protest by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
The Scottish Government has already provided £500,000 to help those in Gaza and Scottish hospitals “are there to treat those who need specialist care”.
Mr Yousaf said he was proud to see Scots condemn the escalating violence and encouraged people to text DONATE to 70000 to give £5 to Disasters Emergency Committee’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.