Highland March for Palestine in Inverness to call for an end to genocide as war continues in Gaza

Hundreds of people are expected to march through the centre of Inverness in support of the Palestinian people as the war in Gaza continues.

The Highland March for Palestine will be held on October 5 and will follow a route from the bottom of Stephen’s Brae across Ness Bridge and to Bught Park.

It is being organised by two groups, Highland - Palestine and Highland Hearts for Palestine.

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The march is taking place as the first anniversary approaches of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 when 1300 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

Since then, more than 40,000 Palestinians - including many women, children and elderly - have been killed after Israel retaliated with a military assault in Gaza.

The conflict has now escalated with Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon in its ongoing war with Hezbollah.

The Inverness march, which comes amid growing calls internationally for a permanent ceasefire, will set off at at 1.30pm and conclude with an event at Bught Park between 2pm and 3pm.

Highland-Palestine is a network of people in the region who support the Palestinian struggle for equal rights and has also contributed large-scale funding of Medical Aid for Palestine and Direct Aid to Families.

Highland Hearts for Palestine was formed by about 30 women who initially came together to support the efforts of Dr Salim Ghayyda, a paediactric consultant at Raigmore Hospital, in trying to get members of his family out of Gaza after finding themselves caught up in the Israel-Hamas war.

Inverness GP Lisa Rennie, the lead organiser for the march, said it will bring together people from various backgrounds and beliefs who share a common commitment to justice.

It will include health workers, families and teachers but anyone is welcome to join.

“At its core, the Highland March for Palestine is a call for the protection of human rights for all people,” Dr Rennie said.

“It is a stand against injustice, oppression and violence, calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine.

“Marching in the Highlands is crucial to raise awareness that Palestinian suffering started in 1948, while empowering individuals to take meaningful action.

“Showing solidarity gives Palestinians hope for freedom.”

“This genocide has far-reaching implications affecting not only the region but also global peace and justice.”

Dr Rennie said it was up to the general public to hold those responsible, including the British government, accountable.

There is a real life-threatening urgency to this work,” she said.

“In Gaza, 10 children per day are suffering limb amputation, humanitarian aid is being blocked and the Lancet journal estimated in July around 8 per cent of the population in Gaza have been killed.

Dr Rennie said the march organisers are striving for inclusivity.

“We welcome everyone to join us in contributing to a broader international movement advocating for human rights,” she said.

Further information available at Highland Palestine and Highland Hearts for Palestine (Instagram).

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