“In Gaza, over 1 million people did not receive food rations in August. In September, the number climbed to more than 1.4 million. Meanwhile, over 100,000 metric tons of food supplies, are stranded outside Gaza due to access restrictions, insecurity, damaged roads and the breakdown of law & order, “Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the relief agency UNRWA.
He continued:
” Again and again hunger is spreading in Gaza. It is entirely man-made. Nearly 70 per cent of crop fields have been destroyed. An entire population is forced to exclusively rely on humanitarian aid. Restrictions and delays in aid deliveries only worsen an already dire situation for displaced families. With winter approaching and weather conditions deteriorating, lack of adequate humanitarian supplies will only generate more suffering.
“What is needed urgently is a ceasefire to end the suffering of people in Gaza and across the region. The way forward through political will and leadership is to: release all hostages, open additional crossings, safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to reach people in need of assistance.
“Choosing peace as a way forward is a choice of the courageous, it’s time.”
Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres has told the Security Council that “the raging fires on the Middle East are fast becoming an inferno.” His words come after Israel launched attacks on Lebanon, Yemen and Syria and Iran responded with attacks on Israel.
The genocide in Gaza, and increasing illegal settler violence in the West Bank, are now joined in this inferno of violence by neighbouring countries, many of which have taken in displaced people. The UK Prime Minster, Keir Starmer, declared his support for Israel and provided military aid. In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence it stated :
“The Defence Secretary has also confirmed that two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, demonstrating the UK’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Due to the nature of the attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence.”
The UK military base in Cyprus is being used for this purpose. This is not ‘de-escalation’ but quite the opposite.
Meanwhile around the world the actions of the Israeli state and the escalation of the attacks has led to demonstrations and increasing calls for an immediate ceasefire.
In Orkney, people will again gather on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall in the vigils they have been holding since October in support of the people of Gaza. They welcome all who wish to join them in their peaceful action calling for an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
Condemnation of Israel’s actions are coming from many sources. Javier Barden used his acceptance speech at the San Sebastian Film Festival to speak up for the people of Palestine. The Spanish actor said that the Israeli Government was committing crimes against humanity. He also criticised Hamas for the October 7th 23 attack and the taking of hostages.
The Jewish Voice for Peace said:
“One year into its genocide of Palestinians, the Israeli government is waging a campaign of terror and destruction that has brought the entire region ever closer to a state of all-out war. This is where impunity leads.
“We have watched as Palestinians in Gaza livestream the genocide being carried out against them, meticulously documenting the indiscriminate bombing of refugee camps and hospitals, starvation, and the spread of eradicated diseases like polio.
“There is no question of what needs to be done: The only way to prevent even more death and devastation is for the U.S. government to stop arming Israel.
“As Jews, we believe that every person is a whole world, and every life lost an entire universe destroyed. We mourn for every life that was cut short over the past year, and we vow to continue fighting with everything we have to end these horrors being carried out in our name.”
Meanwhile the numbers of civilians being killed mounts across the region.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, and as reported by OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, at least 41,615 Palestinians were killed and 96,359 injured.
According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, 695 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Separately, UNICEF confirmed that over 150 children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the period, 7 October 2023 to 22 July 2024.
In Lebanon the UN migration agency, IOM, reported, 3 October, that 1,600 lives have already been lost with 6,000 others injured in recent days.
The Orkney islanders will continue their peace vigil every Saturday until there is a permanent ceasefire. In the latest video by Mike Robertson, we hear from some of those attending on why they think it is important to do so.
All images by Mike Robertson
Fiona Grahame
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