“Innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed in Gaza. And there is still a humanitarian crisis, with far too little aid getting in.

“That’s why we are acting, and why Britain will continue to act in support of our values.” UK Prime Minster, Andy Burnham, 8 September 2026.

This week the UK Government announced new plans in an effort to put pressure on the Israeli government for its actions in Gaza and the West Bank:

• Banning the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements into the UK;
• Taking action on services, creating new designation powers to go after individuals and companies that support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlement activity;
• Banning advertising or promotion of land and property in illegal settlements; 
• Strengthening our existing global human rights sanctions regime to target those who commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, in Palestine, and around the world
• Using our existing global human rights regime to sanction several extremist settlers who have supported or incited acts of violence against Palestinian communities.

This was part of a joint action with France and Canada. Since then other countries have also announced ending trade with Israel’s illegal settlements in The West Bank. The Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said:

“The Israeli settlements in Palestine are in violation of international law. They contribute to displacement, extreme violence and a development that makes a peaceful solution impossible. We will prohibit trade with the illegal settlements.”

In Orkney the peace vigils for Gaza which have been held since the end of October 2023 are continuing. Today, Saturday 12 September, islanders and visitors will meet on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall, in vigil for all those killed during the Gaza Genocide. The campaigners want to see a lasting peace, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

A mass funeral took place in Gaza on Sunday, 6 September – the second such burial of the bodies which are being discovered under the rubble. More than 100 – seventy of whom were children – were buried in a mass grave.

Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said:

“Over the course of one month, we have twice witnessed the same tragic scene in Gaza: children putting flowers and lighting candles over the bodies of other children at a mass funeral. These shattered souls stand witness to the brutal cost this war has on children. This cannot be normalized, as so many other tragedies in Gaza have been.

“These scenes must enrage us. Humanity cannot accept mass funerals of Palestinian children as a reality, and we cannot stand still and watch this continue. It’s been 332 days since the “ceasefire” plan was signed, yet over 300 children have been killed since then. Israeli forces must stop killing, displacing and maiming children. The promises of this plan, made nearly a year ago, must be fulfilled: Gaza needs a permanent ceasefire, reconstruction, and recovery.

“Israeli authorities must allow access for search and recovery teams and the entry of the heavy machinery, specialist equipment, and forensic resources needed to recover those still buried beneath the rubble. Families have the right to recover, identify, and mourn their children.

“As per their obligations under international law, the international community must ensure accountability for the immense harm that Palestinian children have suffered and the over 21,000 who have been killed.“

It is estimated that 8,000 people still lie under the rubble of their once thriving communities.

The organisers of the Orkney Vigil welcome anyone who wishes to join with them in seeking Peace and Justice to stand with them between 1 and 2pm outside St Magnus Cathedral on Saturday 12 September.

The Orkney News has been documenting the vigils since they began at the end of October 2023. A series of videos of the vigils with interviews with those who attend is on our YouTube channel.

There is also an opportunity at the Vigils to purchase Fairtrade Zaytoun goods made by Palestinian farmers and producers. The money raised goes towards the UK charity ‘Hope and Play’ .

Fiona Grahame