“We’re going to do what we did in Gaza”. These are the words reported to be from an Israeli official in March.

What happened, and is still happening in Gaza is a Genocide.  Francesca Albanese,  Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, in a report in October 2025 stated:

The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a collective crime, sustained by the complicity of influential Third States that have enabled longstanding systemic violations of international law by Israel.

“Framed by colonial narratives that dehumanize the Palestinians, this live- streamed atrocity has been facilitated through Third States’ direct support, material aid, diplomatic protection and, in some cases, active participation.

“It has exposed an unprecedented chasm between peoples and their governments, betraying the trust on which global peace and security rest. The world now stands on a knife-edge between the collapse of the international rule of law and hope for renewal. Renewal is only possible if complicity is confronted, responsibilities are met and justice is upheld.” – Report: “Gaza Genocide: a collective crime” by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 (A/80/492)

When the world, and the people of Lebanon thought there was a Ceasefire in the US/Israel War of Choice against Iran, on Wednesday 8 April, ” Israeli jets conducted a 10-minute blitz across Lebanon – a massive aerial attack that killed at least 303 people and wounded 1,150 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.” – Lebanon thought there was a ceasefire – then Israel unleashed deadly blitz

Israel claimed it had targeted Hezbollah fighters and had killed 200 of them.

 Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said:

“In just 10 minutes, yesterday afternoon, explosions struck multiple locations, including densely populated civilian areas in the capital, Beirut.

“The interim assessment is reporting…over 200 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Among them, women and children.”

Amongst those killed were many emergency responders and health workers.

WHO suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt when the driver of their ambulance,  Majdi Aslan, age 54, was shot in the head by the Israelis. A doctor and other men were also injured during the attack. These are clearly marked vehicles, and their route is agreed upon with the Israeli occupation force.

Islanders in Orkney will meet in a Vigil for Peace and in support of the people of Gaza today, Saturday 11 April, between 1 and 2pm, on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall.

As attention has shifted to the spread of the US/ Israel War of Choice across the region, where over 5 million people have now had to flee their homes, and the media has moved away from the Genocide in Gaza, the islanders say that their vigil is more important than ever.

Over 72,000 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023, and the number injured –  172,040. All UNRWA (United Nations Relief Agency) international staff are prevented from entering the Occupied Palestinian Territory – the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Outside Gaza, UNRWA has enough food parcels, flour, and shelter supplies for hundreds of thousands of people.

Journalists are targeted and international reporters are not allowed into Gaza. They are also being shot and killed in Lebanon. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the killing of at least three journalists in Lebanon and Gaza by Israel in one day, at least one of which was in a targeted attack.

“This pattern of attacks underscores a worsening climate of impunity and a blatant disregard for international law. Deliberate, indiscriminate, or disproportionate attacks on journalists — civilians under international humanitarian law — are apparent war crimes and warrant investigation.”

 CPJ has documented that the Gaza war is already the deadliest for journalists ever recorded, totalling at  least 260 journalists killed since October 2023.

“Since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, 2026, additional journalists have been killed in Lebanon and across the region, bringing the toll in Lebanon alone to at least seven in recent weeks.”

Targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers, journalists – all of these are War Crimes – and yet they continue unabated, as world leaders look on as the Trump man-baby, (winner of the first ever FIFA Peace Prize) descends into further incoherent, but dangerous ramblings, tagging along to Israel’s bidding.

The islanders in Orkney welcome all who wish to join with them at the Vigil on Saturday in calling for Peace, an immediate ceasefire, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Fiona Grahame