Social activists from across Scotland are mobilising to participate in several demonstrations, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. These events come at a time of heightened global concern over the ongoing conflict, with many seeking to amplify the voices of those affected by the violence.
These events have been coordinated by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), an alliance comprising religious groups and activists, notably the Scottish Friends of Palestine and the Muslim Community of Scotland. The SPSC has a long history of advocating for Palestinian rights and has been instrumental in organising similar rallies in the past.
One of these rallies is scheduled to take place in Glasgow on the 11th of November, a Saturday. Organisers have scheduled the gathering at the Buchanan Street steps for 1pm, to coincide with Armistice Day commemorations at George Square for the convenience of veterans and the general public. This timing is intended to draw a parallel between the sacrifices of past conflicts and the ongoing struggles in Gaza.
SPSC Chairman, Gerry Coutts, underscored the importance of these rallies saying, “Our rally will not only commemorate those who’ve lost their lives to wars, including both world wars, but reiterate our call for the cessation of all wars.” He added, “We will also take a stand against war crimes, including those being committed in occupied Palestine. The conflict did not start overnight. The Palestinian populace has contended with over seven decades of illegal occupation, violence, and territorial and rights losses.”
Inviting people globally to stand with them in this cause, Coutts emphasized, “We urge an immediate ceasefire and insist that the global community takes concrete steps towards lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Such peace can only be achieved by observing international law and ending Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.”
The scheduled demonstrations are unfolding amid escalating political tensions. A pro-Palestinian march planned in London on Armistice Day has been construed as “provocative and disrespectful” by the Prime Minister. This has sparked a broader debate about the right to protest and the importance of remembering historical conflicts while addressing current ones.
Wajd Sameer, a Palestinian charity worker based in Scotland, offered this perspective: “The Western world’s guilt over the horrors of the Holocaust seems to be atoned for daily by the Palestinian people.” He asserted, “There’s no dispute that collective punishment and the slaughter of innocent children and civilians is a gross violation of human rights. Such atrocities should be recognised as war crimes at an international level. This extends to the oppression and violence endured by the Palestinians over generations, simply by virtue of their existence.”
These demonstrations are expected to draw significant attention, with participants hoping to raise awareness and push for meaningful change in the region. The organisers are encouraging people from all walks of life to join them in solidarity, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing such complex and deeply rooted issues.
