Ahead of Gaza ceasefire vote: What do Moray's political representatives, Conservative MP Douglas Ross and SNP MSP Richard Lochhead, think?
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A VOTE on a ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel conflict is set to take place at Westminster tonight.
Conflict has been raging in the region since October 7, when Hamas militants crossed the border and killed 1400 Israelis.
It is now estimated by the Hamas-run health ministry that 11,000 civilians in Gaza – the majority of whom are children and women – have been killed in Israel's response.
Scores of governments worldwide, including the Scottish Government, have called for a ceasefire, but the United Kingdom and United States have not done so.
MORE: Demonstrators in Forres and Lossiemouth have called for a ceasefire.
Moray's MP Douglas Ross is unable to vote tonight, due to prior commitments at Holyrood, but has been 'paired' which means an opposition MP will also not vote.
If he was voting, he would be voting against calling for a ceasefire as he believes it would allow Hamas the opportunity to "regroup".
“The barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas last month against Israel were utterly horrifying," he said.
“The actions of Hamas have meant that innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza continue to be caught up in the conflict and many are facing an increasingly desperate situation.
"I continue to support every effort that is being made to deliver humanitarian aid to all those who require it and to see all of the hostages released.
“However, I believe that calls from the SNP and others across the political spectrum for an immediate unilateral ceasefire is the wrong answer.
“This would allow Hamas to regroup and prepare potential further deadly acts of terror against Israel, which would be truly catastrophic for the Middle East and the wider world.
"We cannot ignore that the Leader of Hamas has said they won’t stop until they have obliterated every Jewish person.”
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said a ceasefire was the only option to stop the "humanitarian disaster" that is ongoing in Gaza.
“This week, the SNP Group in Westminster lodged an amendment to the King’s Speech calling on the UK Government to join with the international community in pressing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel," he said.
“It is now just over a month since Hamas launched its horrific terrorist attack on the people of Israel, violently killing innocent men, women and children, and the taking of hostages who are still held captive today.
“It would, however, be an understatement to say that the response and retaliation that has unfolded in recent weeks has caused extreme concern across the globe.
“The only way to stop this humanitarian disaster, to stop the killing of thousands more innocents, is for those with power and influence to push for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
"This would allow vital aid to reach innocent civilians.”
