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“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” – Martin Luther King jnr. This last week we have seen continuous attacks on Ukraine’s energy sites by Russia – a targeted barrage of 705 munitions, the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Nearly 500 patients and their companions were slaughtered in the Saudi Maternity Hospital, one of numerous health facilities targeted in the fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). In this Civil War civilians have been subjected to mass executions, rape and starvation. The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023. OCHA reports that the situation in North Darfur State remains catastrophic with ongoing attacks against civilians, humanitarian access to El Fasher cut off, and desperate people continuing to flee towards Tawila and other areas. Orkney Islanders Stand in Vigil for Peace It is now over two years since islanders in Orkney stood in vigil to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Although there is supposed to be a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have continued. Since the start of this ceasefire the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered over 840 pallets of life-saving medical supplies into Gaza including insulin, assistive devices, essential medicines, cholera kits and surgical materials. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza (MoH), as of 7 October 2025, more than 1,700 health workers have been killed in two years. This represents about seven per cent of the health workforce in the Gaza Strip prior to the war, which according to the MoH’s 2022 annual report stood at about 25,000 health workers. Only 34% of Gaza’s health service access points are functioning. Collection and distribution of aid continues to be hampered by restrictions and re-routing by Israeli forces. The roads convoys are limited to using are damaged and narrow. Gaza Faces, Not Just Numbers Many of those taking part in the vigils in Orkney for Gaza have been holding posters ‘Gaza Faces, Not Just Numbers’. Click on this audio clip to listen to more about The Joyful Sale of Broken Objects. Islanders in Orkney will meet today, Saturday 1 November between 1 and 2pm on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall, to stand in vigil in support of the people in Gaza. The campaigners are calling for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of aid, and the release of hundreds of Palestinians taken by Israeli forces and marched to military camps in Israel. Gallery of a selection of images taken at the Orkney vigils now going into their third year. Fiona Grahame
