Humza Yousaf 'desperately worried' about family in Gaza

John Swinney sworn in as Scotland's new First Minister

John Swinney has officially been sworn in as Scotland’s new First Minister at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. It comes after the Perthshire North MSP - who has previously served as finance secretary, education secretary and deputy first minister for the Scottish government- was elected SNP leader unopposed on following the resignation of Humza Yousaf. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

John Swinney elected as Scotland's new first minister

John Swinney has been elected as Scotland's seventh first minister after becoming the new SNP leader following the formal resignation of Humza Yousaf on Tuesday. He is expected to be sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Humza Yousaf formally resigns as Scotland's first minister

Humza Yousaf has signed a letter to the King tendering his resignation as Scotland's first minister. It comes as John Swinney was elected as the SNP's new leader. Mr Swinney, 60, is expected to become first minister later today. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Kate Forbes backs Swinney’s SNP leadership bid

Kate Forbes has backed John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, in his bid to succeed Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and Scotland’s next first minister. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

John Swinney announces he will run for SNP leader

The former deputy first minister of Scotland John Swinney has confirmed he is running to succeed Humza Yousaf as both SNP leader and Scotland's next first minister. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Israel confirms its forces are expanding their offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah

The Israeli military has confirmed that its forces are operating in central parts of Rafah and will be expanding their offensive.

Israel says Gaza war likely to last another seven months

Ireland, Norway and Spain Join List of Nations to Formally Recognize a Palestinian State

Ireland, Norway and Spain , Join List of Nations to Formally , Recognize a Palestinian State. Spain, Ireland and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state in what the BBC calls an effort to seek a political solution to the ongoing war in Gaza. . The countries said they hope their decisions will encourage other European nations to follow suit and help reach a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas. . The countries said they hope their decisions will encourage other European nations to follow suit and help reach a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas. . In response, Israel's government has accused Ireland, Norway and Spain of rewarding terrorism, while also withdrawing ambassadors from the countries. . The recognition of a Palestinian state by the three nations has increased pressure on Israel to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. . BBC reports that two international courts have called for an end to the war and accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing war crimes. BBC reports that two international courts have called for an end to the war and accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing war crimes. At the same time, other western countries have also increased sanctions on Israeli settlers in occupied Palestinian territories. . According to Ireland, Spain and Norway, they recognize a Palestinian state based on borders established prior to the war in 1967. Before the war, Jerusalem was the capital of both Israel and Palestine. This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion, Simon Harris, Prime Minister of Ireland, via BBC. According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, recognizing Palestine is , “an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.”. According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, recognizing Palestine is , “an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.”