PRO-PALESTINE campaigners held a “sit-in” protest at the Scottish Parliament.
Members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign sat inside Holyrood, calling on the Scottish Government to support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel which is being heard at the International Court of Justice.
The group also sent a letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf, who they say didn't accept an invitation to come speak with them.
Day one of South Africa's genocide case against Israel got underway on Thursday morning.
The country has accused Israel of Genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and is asking the ICJ to order Israel to halt its attacks.
Speaking to The National, Scottish-Palestinian Salsabil, who took part in the sit-in, said: "We are here to support the First Minister who has called what is happening in Gaza ethnic cleansing and to ask that the Scottish Government publicly supports South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ today.
"We want Scotland to be a beacon of hope, doing the right thing and human rights. And most importantly we want an end to the siege of Gaza, the genocide and the illegal occupation."
Campaigners said that Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman came to join them during the sit-in and told them that she had submitted a motion calling on the Scottish Government to support South Africa's case.
The group also thanked Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer for attending the sit-in to show his support.
Writing on Instagram, a statement said: "Thanks so much to @rossgreer from the @scottishgreenparty who came down to show his solidarity."
The campaigners shared an image of the letter they have sent to the First Minister (below) with The National.
It says: "We recognise the limitations of Scotland's authority to speak independently of the policies of the United Kingdom, but as citizens and residents of this country that exist with its own systems of laws, a governing body, and a Scottish Parliament, we believe there is a duty to make a moral statement against genocide.
"We believe that Scotland has a moral imperative to use its position to demand that the UK demand a ceasefire and to support the South Africa application at the ICJ."
It adds that a number of countries have already shown support to South Africa, including Bolivia, Brazil, Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey and a number of others.
"We ask that Scotland lead the way and formally support South Africa's submission to the ICJ," the letter adds.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said: “A small, peaceful protest is taking place in the main hall of the building.
"Engagement with the protesters is ongoing and they have been advised that protesting is not permitted inside the Parliament.
"There are no restrictions on visitor access in or out of the building and no disruption to Parliamentary business. Police Scotland are in attendance.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister has received the letter and will respond in due course.”
