The Scottish government has launched a review into its response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following controversy over a donation made by former First Minister Humza Yousaf, The Telegraph reports.
The donation came from the International Development Fund, which is typically reserved for projects in four partner countries: Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, and Pakistan.
At the center of the controversy is a £250,000 ($324,400 USD) donation Yousaf made to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in November 2023, overriding officials who had recommended a smaller donation to UNICEF. The Telegraph revealed earlier this year that Yousaf intervened in the decision-making process, telling officials, "We should just announce an extra £250k to them [UNRWA]" before meeting with the agency.
Yousaf's decision raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, as his in-laws were trapped in Gaza at the time. They were given safe passage out of Gaza via the Rafah crossing on November 3, a day after the donation was announced. The former first minister has denied any connection between the donation and his family's situation. A spokesman stated, "UNRWA had no role in the situation regarding the first minister's extended family, and any suggestion of a conflict of interest in this matter would be completely untrue."
Humza Yousaf! White face here. After overriding officials, you 'gave' £250,000 to UNWRA at the same time as you wanted to get your family out of Gaza. It's not your money you know, it belongs to Scotland. Funding HAMAS through the back door. We despise you ?? pic.twitter.com/1JtTf4oNds
— Jane Pounder (@PounderJane1) March 9, 2024
On the release of the The Telegraph article, Scottish conservative and unionist Stephan Kerr wrote on X, "Good to see this issue getting attention. Taxpayers have the right to know how their money is spent."
Critics have questioned whether Yousaf's actions breached the Scottish Ministerial Code, which states that ministers "must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise." The review will focus on "evolving future Scottish Government humanitarian funding mechanisms and processes," according to a government spokesperson responding to a freedom of information request.
Let's remember, this is what @HumzaYousaf sent Scottish tax payers money to fund. @UNWRA pic.twitter.com/IuNfc332S5
— You Know My Name (@Highland_Raver) July 13, 2024
Subsequent events have further complicated the controversy surrounding the donation. In early 2024, several countries, including the UK and the US, suspended funding to UNRWA after allegations emerged that some of its workers had participated in the October 7 attacks on Israel.
Yousaf resigned as first minister in April 2024 after it became clear he would lose a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament. His leadership had begun to unravel following his decision to end the Scottish National Party's coalition with the Scottish Greens.
