WATCH: Scotland PM Humza Yousaf wants to give a home to Palestine refugees fleeing Gaza; netizens scandalised

The First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has said his country is willing to be the first in the UK to offer “safety and sanctuary” to refugees from Gaza. Yousaf also said Scotland would treat wounded Gaza civilians in Scottish hospitals if the UK government sets up a scheme to help those fleeing the Israel-Hamas war. “Scotland is willing to be the first country in the UK to offer safety and sanctuary to those who are caught up in these terrible attacks,” Yousaf said. He further called on Rishi Sunak-led UK government to “immediately begin work on the creation of a refugee resettlement scheme for those in Gaza who want to, and are able to, leave." “I, therefore, urge the UK government to support the medical evacuation of injured civilians in Gaza. Let me be clear Scotland is ready to play her part and our hospitals will treat the injured men, women and children of Gaza, where we can,” he added.

In the past, people in Scotland and across the UK have opened our hearts and our homes.

Scotland is ready to play her part.

To be the first country in the UK to offer safety and sanctuary to the people of Gaza.

To treat the injured men, women and children, where we can. pic.twitter.com/VMvszfZD4U

— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) October 17, 2023

‘We must do it again’ In a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Yousaf said: “In the past, people in Scotland and across the UK have opened our hearts and our homes. We’ve welcomed those from Syria, from Ukraine, and many other countries. We must do so again.” “There are currently 1 million people displaced within Gaza. So therefore, I am calling today on the international community to commit to a worldwide refugee programme for the people of Gaza,” he added. Yousaf further said his brother-in-law, who is a doctor in Gaza, has witnessed scenes of horror and carnage. “My brother-in-law is a doctor in Gaza. When we can get through to him on the phone he tells us of scenes of absolute carnage; hospitals running out of medical supplies; doctors, nurses having to make the most difficult decision of all who to treat and who to let die. That can’t be allowed,” he said. The decision of Yousaf was not welcomed by some netizens who expressed their disagreement and opposition to letting the refugees in. One of the users said: “Could you maybe help our homeless as well?” “Will you be offering sanctuary to the Israelis too if need be? Thankfully it’s not up to you who is allowed to come into the UK. Because no doubt some of these people will be Hamas supporters that may sneak in on the refugee ticket and that is a very dangerous risk to take,” commented another user.