An Edinburgh Fringe Festival event featuring Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, was repeatedly disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters. The event, held at the Stand comedy venue, was intended to be a discussion on "life, art, politics, and Scotland's future," but quickly turned into a platform for political dissent. Protesters interrupted Swinney's interview with comedian Susan Morrison, demanding an end to Scottish government funding for arms companies.

Swinney, who has been vocal about the Israel-Palestine conflict, described the situation in Gaza as "genocide" for the first time. "It's quite clear that there is a genocide in Palestine – it can't be disputed," he told journalists after the event. His comments align with those of Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill, who previously labeled Israel's actions as "state terrorism."

The Scottish government has faced criticism for its economic agency, Scottish Enterprise, which funds apprenticeships at firms involved in arms manufacturing. While the government does not directly fund munitions production, Swinney defended the practice, stating that the agency conducts "the strictest assessments imaginable" to ensure public funds are used appropriately. He emphasized efforts to help companies diversify their activities away from defense industries.

The protests at the Fringe event underscore the heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Protesters held signs spelling "genocide" and clashed with Swinney's security team, who prevented them from reaching the stage. The disruptions occurred just days after Swinney's speech at the Edinburgh festivals, where he championed freedom of expression and robust debate.