There will be a Peace vigil today, Saturday 13 September on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall between 1 and 2pm. The vigils have been ongoing since the end of October 2023 calling for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages.

As evidence about the Gaza Genocide gets ever bleaker, this week the UK Government denied that the slaughter of the civilian population by the Israeli military, was a genocide.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, however said:

“Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less of us. Scotland will always raise her voice in favour of peace and humanity.”

The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh voted by a majority calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine.

“That the Parliament agrees with the recognition of the State of Palestine and that peace in the region must be pursued by all. ”

Orkney MSP , LibDem Liam McArthur abstained, along with his party colleagues and Labour MSPs.

Israel launched an attack on Doha, the Qatari capital, which has been hosting peace negotiations.

Meanwhile 200,000 civilians in Gaza City have been forced to leave, although there is nowhere safe to go, and shocking footage has emerged from The West Bank where over a hundred Palestinian men have been rounded up by Israel and a curfew imposed by the illegally occupying forces.

All this comes in the same week as Labour PM Sir Keir Starmer rolled out the red carpet for President of Israel Isaac Herzog. The UK is complicit in the Gaza Genocide and Israeli military operations in the area through the sales of military parts. There have been more than 600 surveillance missions from the RAF base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, since December 2023.

The number of people who have been killed in the Gaza Genocide since October 2023 is increasingly difficult to establish because recording deaths is hampered by the devastation of public infrastructure. There are an untold number of bodies buried under the rubble of their communities. Famine and disease is also killing the starving population as so little aid is able to reach them due to Israel’s blockades.

A report published in June 2025 estimated:

75,200 violent deaths between October 7, 2023, and January 5, 2025. Among those, 56.2% were women (18–64), children (< 18), or elderly (65+). .. estimated 8,540 excess (i.e., above expectation) nonviolent deaths. Violent and Nonviolent Death Tolls for the Gaza War: New Primary Evidence

Since that report was compiled Famine has been declared. As of 5 September 2025, 361 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition, including 130 children. 

Over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation, destitution and death.

2, 339 people have been killed when seeking aid near the US/Israeli militarized distribution sites and along convoy routes since 27 May.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza estimates that there are 161 245 people who have suffered injuries.

Amnesty has repeatedly and unequivocally stated that forcibly displacing Palestinians within the Gaza Strip or deporting them violates international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said:

“Gaza City, which has an ancient heritage that dates back millennia and has already suffered devastating destruction and damage, is now facing complete obliteration. It is evident that Israel is determined in pursuing its goal to physically destroy Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It is unconscionable that states with leverage over Israel continue to provide it with arms and diplomatic support to destroy Palestinian lives.

“Deplorably, companies and investors continue to profit from Israel’s genocide. States and companies that continue to arm Israel risk complicity in genocide. All those with influence over Israel must press for an immediate end to Israel’s genocidal campaign and full humanitarian access to Gaza’s civilians.” 

Those attending the vigil in Orkney invite all those who share their condemnation of the Gaza Genocide to join with them on the Kirk Green on Saturday between 1 and 2pm. Increasing numbers have been doing so. The Orkney News has been recording the vigils and the views of those taking part about why they continue to do so. The latest video can be viewed here:

World Health Organisation Public Health Situation Analysis (PHSA) can be downloaded here:

Fiona Grahame