The Scottish government said on Monday that it is suspending meetings with the Israeli government until “real progress” is made in Gaza ceasefire talks.

The move comes amid calls for the suspension of Scotland’s external affairs secretary, Angus Robertson, following his decision to hold a secret meeting with Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK.

Robertson subsequently apologised for the meeting, which he said was held in secret at Israel’s request.

The minister also pledged that the government would reject future invitations from Israel until it “co-operates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.”

Robertson added that he had agreed to the meeting to reiterate the government’s “clear and unwavering” support for a ceasefire. ….more