A majority of MSPs are expected to vote in favour of a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The escalating humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave and the international response to it will be debated in the Scottish Parliament today from 2.50pm.

Humza Yousaf has tabled a motion which calls for MSPs to "unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms Hamas’s barbaric and unjustifiable terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens".

It also "affirms the right of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security" and "agrees the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, including women and children who have been besieged by Israeli forces, must stop".

Speaking ahead of the vote, Yousaf said: "The Scottish Parliament has an opportunity to unite to send a message of peace to world leaders and to those enduring untold suffering in the Middle East.

"The motion that will be debated, tabled today, condemns the barbaric and unjustifiable actions of Hamas, and echoes the calls of the UN Secretary-General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

Scottish Labour has confirmed it would vote in favour of Yousaf's motion as well as adding an amendment of its own.

The party will call for the International Criminal Court to investigate the conduct of all parties in this conflict and for an end to illegal occupation and siege.

The Labour motion "calls on the international community to use every form of diplomacy to try and create the conditions on the ground to make a ceasefire a reality" and :calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate the conduct of all parties in this conflict" and "reaffirms our commitment to a lasting peace and a two state solution with the end of illegal occupation, siege, and settlements".

Yousaf had on Sunday described how his brother-in-law, a hospital doctor in the Gaza strip, has witnessed “death and destruction” in the ongoing war.

The First Minister said his brother-in-law is in a “terrible way” as he continues to treat patients in the south of Gaza.

The parents of Yousaf's wife, Nadia El-Nakla, were visiting relatives when the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, leaving them trapped in the Palestinian territory for weeks amid intense bombardment.

They were able to return to Scotland earlier this month after being permitted to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.

His parents-in-law are still recovering from the ordeal, he said.

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.