CAMPAIGNERS are set to hold a 10-hour vigil outside the Scottish Parliament for children killed in Gaza.
Mothers Against Genocide Scotland and other protesters will read aloud the names of children killed during the past two years of Israel’s genocide on the day of the first First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) of the 2025/2026 parliamentary session.
Campaigners will also display over 700 kites made by children and families across Scotland containing messages of solidarity and support for Palestinians.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Mothers Against Genocide Scotland is a collective of parents and carers advocating for Palestine and all oppressed peoples.
“We have been working with local communities across Scotland all summer to make these solidarity kites, each handmade with love and care, carrying the messages of support for the people of Palestine.
“We want to bring the kites here to remind our politicians of their responsibilities under international law to protect citizens from genocide. We welcome some action finally being taken to recognise the war crimes of Israel, but it should not have taken 22 months of brutal assaults on Gazans for these steps.
“We will continue to hold to account all politicians, particularly those serving in UK Government roles for their complicity in these atrocities. The UK Government must take action; to date, the response has been pitiful and has only enabled Israel to continue with impunity.”
The vigil will start at approximately 8am and last until 6pm, ending with speakers including Dundee City councillor Nadia El-Nakla (below), who has relatives still trapped in Gaza.
“Today, outside the Scottish Parliament, we will gather to read the names of Palestinian children who have been killed in Gaza – each name a life, a future, and a family torn apart. Being outside the Scottish Parliament is powerful symbolism; it is the heart of Scotland’s democracy, and we will be calling on those in power to act, to refuse complicity and to speak out for justice.
“For me, as a Palestinian with family in Gaza, this will not only be political but deeply personal. Each day brings fear, grief, and loss. But even in our pain, we will raise our voices. Silence is not an option when children are being massacred.”
Other speakers include the founder of Refuweegee, Selina Hales, activist Talat Yaqoob, Professor Alison Phipps and members of Mothers Against Genocide Scotland.
Campaigners are also set to demand that the UK Government formally acknowledges the genocide being committed in Gaza, ends all arms sales to Israel and introduces a boycott of trade and cultural partnerships with Israel.
It comes as the Scottish Government voted on Wednesday to introduce a programme of boycotts, divestments and sanctions. First Minister John Swinney also announced that the Scottish Government will no longer provide public money to firms arming Israel.
Caitríona Balfe, Outlander actress and film producer, who has repeatedly shown support for Mothers Against Genocide, said: “Children are the innocents who we all have a responsibility to protect.
“We must stop the killing of innocents, we must stop the starvation, we must stop the deprivation of medicine, we must stop the destruction and family. We must recover our humanity and demand peace.”
According to the United Nations, approximately 17,000 children have been killed by Israeli strikes and more than 30,000 seriously injured.
Reporters from The National will be in attendance during the vigil.
