SCOTLAND’S Justice Secretary spoke out last night after Israel carried out multiple air strikes in Gaza, including one on a 13-story residential building.

The Israel Defense Forces announced their intention to strike the building on Twitter last night, writing: “To the citizens of Gaza: The IDF is striking Hamaz weapons stores hidden inside civilian buildings in Gaza.

“Although Hamas wants to put you in harm’s way, we urge you to stay away from Hamas’ weapons sites and get to safety. Our goal is only to strike terror.”

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In the early hours of the morning residents in Gaza reported their homes shaking and the sky lighting up with attacks from Israel, while the Israeli air defence missiles intercepted outgoing rockets fired by Hamas.

The attacks followed weeks of tension in Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan. Tensions were escalated ahead of a court hearing which could end with Palestinian families being forcibly removed from East Jerusalem homes claimed by Jewish settlers.

According to Reuters, 32 Palestinians, including 10 children, and three people in Israel have died in recent days.

The UN’s Middle East peace envoy, Tor Wennesland, wrote last night: “Stop the fire immediately. We’re escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation.

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“The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now.”

Humza Yousaf took to Twitter last night as he has family living in Gaza.

“Wife has been in floods of tears all evening,” he wrote. “Her brother lives in Gaza with his wife & three young children. He tells us it's raining rockets. As a parent he feels helpless, they cannot leave as they are under blockade. All we can do is pray & hope they are alive in the morning.”

His colleagues responded, with MSPs saying their thoughts were with Yousaf and his family.

Sabir Zazai, the CEO of the Scottish Refugee Council, replied: “Sending you prayers and thoughts. Conflict is nasty and in a global world the effects of it can be felt far beyond.”

This morning, Yousaf updated followers. "I have passed your kindness, and prayers to my wife and her brother who are taking great comfort in them," he wrote. "I hope the international community intervenes & actually tackles the root of this conflict."

Last week, after Israeli forces stormed a mosque in East Jerusalem, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke out. “Attacking a place of worship at any time is reprehensible, but attacking a mosque during Ramadan is utterly indefensible. It is also a violation of international law. Israel should heed calls to halt the violence immediately,” she said.