S4M-04890 John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) Scottish National Party: That the Parliament notes with sadness the growing tension in Israel and Palestine in recent days; regrets both the recent and previous loss of life; further regrets the deaths of at least 2,000 per annum in Afghanistan over the last 11 years and perhaps as many as 2,000 per month in Syria; considers that all of these conflicts would be better settled by negotiation rather than bloodshed; urges all sides in these conflicts to sit round the table with their opponents; considers that the international community and Scottish politicians should aim to reduce the tension in each situation including by careful and considered use of language, and hopes that Scotland can play some part of the role as a peacemaker in the Middle East and other conflict areas.