A GROUP of Scottish mothers have started a hunger strike in protest for Gaza.
The 20 protestors are part of Mothers Against Genocide Scotland, an organisation of parents raising awareness and fundraising for people in Palestine.
The United Nations warned on Tuesday that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours due to starvation as Israel continues to block food, water and medical supplies.
The mothers are undertaking rolling 48-hour fasts calling for the UK Government to prevent genocide by acting decisively to end the siege.
Sarah, who co-founded the group, said: "Anyone who wants to show their solidarity and raise awareness in this way is urged to do so and send their story to their MP and MSPs.
“We have less than two days to prevent yet another tragedy so we’re taking unprecedented steps to pressure the government to act."
Marianne, a solo parent based in South Queensferry, added: “I’ve been involved with Mothers Against Genocide Scotland for six months.
"My adopted son has complex Additional Support Needs. I’m on hunger strike for all the mothers in Gaza who are struggling to feed their kids through no fault of their own.”
Cat, a mother to three children, said the UK Government is “complicit”.
“The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have to act now to intervene in Gaza to save these children’s lives,” she said.
“They’ve known what has been happening in Gaza. Their blood will be on their hands.”
For Mandy, who is a doula based in West Lothian, this is both personal and professional.
“My work is all about helping women and families navigate pregnancy, birth and postpartum," she said. "To see babies in Gaza being born into the most desperate of situations and dying due to forced starvation is unbearable.”
May, a mother of one, spoke of the urgency of the situation.
“From the 14,000 children the United Nations warned could die in the next 48 hours, how many have we lost already? May their names decorate the skies and inspire us to action.”
Aisling, meanwhile, said "MSPs can do more too”.
“We know the Scottish Government isn't a passive bystander,” she said.
“Labour MSPs who have colleagues in Government in Westminster also need to be encouraged to act."
