Osama Saeed has today welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement of £428,000 to be given to aid agencies working in Gaza.

The SNP's prospective parliamentary candidate for Glasgow Central had previously called for money to be given to Islamic Relief and others working in the region.

Commenting, Saeed said: "The Scottish Government's response to the crisis has been to do whatever was in their power to help. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced while the bombing was taking place that Scottish hospitals would respond to any request for assistance.

"Now, this substantial monetary contribution will help with much needed aid, relief and development in the bomb hit and starved region.

"I particularly welcome the support given to Islamic Relief's work. They've been on the ground for years, and have kept their efforts going through incredibly difficult times. They've also been at the forefront of an astonishing fundraising drive here in Scotland during the current crisis."

Note:

Mike Russell, External Affairs minister announced the following:

"With this funding, Christian Aid, Save the Children and Medical Aid for Palestine will focus on food aid and hygiene requirements of malnourished children and families. Following damage to infrastructure, Oxfam Scotland will help provide safe drinking water and removal of sewage, and Islamic Relief will work to make neighbourhoods safer by removing rubble and dangerous debris. CBM (formerly Christian Blind Mission) will evacuate seriously injured children to the West Bank for specialist treatment. Glasgow The Caring City will provide equipment for frontline medical workers and Edinburgh Direct Aid will provide essential medical aid to the Jabliyeh area."

More information here.