HUMZA Yousaf has spoken out after Labour "frustratingly" removed a key part of the SNP's ceasefire motion in their amendment.
On Tuesday, Labour finally called for an immediate ceasefire amid fears of another Commons rebellion over the party's position.
In the face of mounting domestic and international criticism of Israel’s military response to Hamas’s attacks on October 7, which has now seen more than 29,000 killed, Labour have been forced to change position.
In their intervention, Labour tabled an amendment which calls for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” but which also calls for Israel to have the “right to the assurance that the horror of October 7 cannot happen again”.
READ MORE: Pro-ceasefire activists react to Labour U-turn on Palestine
Much of the sentiment matches the SNP's motion, however the reference to "collective punishment" of the Palestinian people has been removed.
Labour MPs have been whipped to abstain on the SNP's motion but it remains unclear whether Labour's amendment will be put to a vote as the Speaker may select the Government's amendment instead, which calls for an immediate humanitarian "pause".
First Minister and SNP chief Humza Yousaf has welcomed Labour caving in and calling for an immediate ceasefire, but he also spoke out against the move to remove the "collective punishment" line.
"Pressure from the SNP has forced Labour to change their position on Gaza, which I welcome," he posted on Twitter/X.
"I'm proud of my party for being Westminster’s conscience and consistently advocating for an immediate ceasefire. It's important the whole House now backs an immediate end to the violence.
"Frustratingly, the Labour motion deletes our reference to collective punishment," he added.
"However, despite our differences, I hope we can get consensus across the political divide that enough is enough. Too many innocent men, women and children have suffered. The violence must end."
READ MORE: SNP welcome Keir Starmer's Gaza ceasefire U-turn
Journalist Robert Peston had reported that there was "unease" about the "collective punishment" term among those close to Starmer.
Labour's move comes after members voted for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at the Scottish Labour conference this past weekend.
MPs will vote on the SNP's ceasefire motion on Wednesday.
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