With the ‘war’ in Gaza lasting 34 days and counting with no end currently in-sight, it has been really heartening to see our communities in Shetland and Orkney coming together to support the people of Gaza.

It now seems time to reflect on the terrible cost so far. According to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, nearly half of the houses in Gaza have been either damaged or destroyed. 70% of the population have had to flee their homes, to empathise that is 1.6 million people who have been made homeless and do not have access to power, water and sanitation.

10,000 people have now died and 4,000 of them, that’s 40%, are children. Four thousand have been killed in the last 34 days! 

That is 114 children dying everyday!

Hospitals have either been destroyed or have no medical supplies, power or even clean water.

Since the start of the conflict 756 lorry loads (at the time of writing) of humanitarian aid has entered Gaza, normally it is around 500 a day.

It is time for international action. This must not go on, the people of Palestine deserve the same human rights that we enjoy.

It’s time for action and I call on the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer to follow the example of Scotland’s First Minster Humza Yousaf in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

It is time for the United Kingdom to save Palestinian lives by using all the diplomatic avenues available to encourage Israel to agree to a ceasefire. While fulfilling our obligation to provide refuge for Gazans fleeing this conflict and humanitarian crisis.

In Orkney a vigil calling for an immediate ceasefire will take place Saturday 11th November at 1pm on the steps of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

In Shetland a vigil calling for an immediate ceasefire will take place Saturday 11th November at 2pm at Lerwick Town Hall