STUDENTS at an Edinburgh high school came together on a walkout for Palestine today, calling for a ceasefire and an end to occupation.
Pupils and parents from James Gillespies High School, located near the Meadows area of the city, walked out in an effort to put pressure on the UK Government over Gaza.
The school is one of Edinburgh's most multi-cultural, and has pupils of Palestinian heritage.
READ MORE: BBC's Clive Myrie takes thousands from firm linked with Israeli military
Aisha, an S3 Palestinian pupil, said it has been "very difficult" to see what is happening in Gaza.
"I have family there," she explained. "I feel very scared for their safety. Coming together like this with other pupils to raise awareness, helps me feel like I'm doing something."
Sara, a Palestinian parent who was one of the organisers, said: "Human rights charity Amnesty International has called for an immediate ceasefire to end unprecedented civilian suffering and Unicef has declared that the situation in Gaza is a war on children.
"Our children are eager to voice their concerns and to show solidarity with the children of Palestine. We hope that this social action will shine a light on the plight of the Palestinian people and put pressure on the UK government to call for a permanent ceasefire."
READ MORE: Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet steering military effort in Gaza
Simona, another parent with two children at the school took part, said: "We decided to take part in the walkout today to show our support for the innocent Palestinian people who are suffering so horribly in the siege of Gaza, especially the children who are being killed, maimed and losing parents. It's heartbreaking.
"Anyone with humanity should want this to stop."
The walkout event in the school yard was held with the permission of the school. The organisers say they are hoping it will inspire pupils in other schools to also take social action.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel