Last Saturday, islanders in Orkney took part in their vigil in support of the people of Gaza. The vigil has taken place between 1 and 2pm outside St Magnus Cathedral since October 2023. The weather was wet and the cold wind forced the peace campaigners to huddle together on the steps of the building dedicated to a man of peace.

Four thousand miles away people were also huddled together in makeshift shelters as heavy rains hit the Gaza Strip. The United Nations relief agency UNRWA reported that ‘the heavy rains are estimated to affect over 1.6 million people living in makeshift shelters across the Gaza Strip, with thousands of displaced families living in tents along the coast in southwest Gaza being particularly affected by flooding and rising seawater.’

‘According to preliminary assessments, about 7,000 families residing along the shoreline were affected by recent rains, with thousands of tents flooded, belongings destroyed and shelters damaged. Harsh winter temperatures compounded by heavy rains and rising sea tides are further exacerbating sewage accumulation, the spread of disease, and risk of collapse of damaged buildings where many families have sought refuge. ‘

The Right to Self-Determination

Since 1974, the United Nations has reaffirmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination without external interference and the right to national independence and sovereignty.

Yesterday, 29 November, was the United Nations’ International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: Link, ‘The Writing is on the Wall’

The occupation by Israel of the Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem is in violation of international law. Israel, the occupying Power, has expanded the settler population in the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory, including through the construction of numerous new settlements and the expansion of the already established settlements.

Last week The Orkney News carried the report that international arrest warrants have been issued for  war crimes for  Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Hamas),  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant. 

And yet the war crimes continue to be committed. Humanitarian missions into the area are either hindered or denied.

Killing Long After They Fall

Official figures from the Ministry of Health state that 35,055 children have lost one or both parents over the past year. The Danish Refugee Council’s report, “Killing long after they fall: The cost of active warfare and explosive ordnance on civilians in Gaza,” catalogues the appalling cost in lives lost, now and in the future.

Its key findings are:

• 95% of people reported knowing someone killed or injured by active warfare.
• 44% of victims received no medical aid
• 86% had no access to physical therapy
• 97% had no access to mental health support.
• 90% or people reported damage or destruction of their homes
• 70% reported damage or destruction of local schools
• 75% reported damage to health facilities
• 67% reported destruction of their water source.
• 99% witnessed the use of explosive weapons used within their community.

There are many reports from organisations working in the region. There are lots of images across social media, including filmed footage. The genocide of Gaza is playing out across our screens. Ignorance is not an excuse. To turn away is to be complicit.

The people have been stripped of every shred of dignity, having been forced to displace, again and again, in search of safety. The living conditions are abominable, mountains of solid waste are filling the streets, and deadly diseases are spreading fast. Coupled with massive destruction of infrastructure, the very basics of life are missing.  – Report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The ‘Gaza Strip: Acute Food Insecurity Situation for September – October 2024 and Projection for November 2024 – April 2025‘ report by an expert international group on famine, has called for immediate action – in days, not weeks – because of the rapidly deteriorating situation. “About 60,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months, including 12,000 severe cases, are expected to occur between September 2024 and August 2025.”

it is already abundantly clear that the worst-case scenario developed by the analysis team is now playing out in areas of the northern Gaza Strip. It can therefore be assumed that starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease, are rapidly increasing in these areas. Famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future. – IPC FAMINE REVIEW COMMITTEE ALERT GAZA STRIP

In Orkney, this Saturday, Christmas trees and street lights are heralding in the season of Peace and Goodwill to all. The islanders who attend the vigil extend a warm welcome to all those who wish to see an end to the slaughter in Gaza to join them between 1 and 2pm on Saturday, 30th November, outside St Magnus Cathedral, Broad Street, Kirkwall.

Images by Mike Robertson.

Fiona Grahame