HUNDREDS of healthcare workers gathered at the steps of Buchanan Street in Glasgow to hold a vigil for health workers lost amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Those attending lit candles and held signs with the names of those who have died in the conflict.
Speakers at the event directly addressed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging the Government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
As of November 15, 223 healthcare professionals have been killed as a result of Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
The names of each healthcare professional were read out, before chants of “ceasefire now” and “no more bombs” could be heard.
Danish Ashraf, one of the vigil’s organisers and a GP who spent time in Palestine, thanked those for attending and urged people to continue “speaking out” on the war in Gaza.
He read out testimonies from healthcare workers in Gaza, including from one doctor who said the Al Shifa hospital had faced bombardment in “the labour ward, the front yard of Al Shifa hospital – in front of the emergency entrance, and the back yard”.
“Until now, they haven’t stopped. What is happening is unfathomable.”
Another testimony from an emergency doctor read: “I’ve heard this sentence dozens of times. Doctor, please take care of this patient. He is the only survivor of his family.”
Then, addressing the crowd directly, he said: “While we honour lives past, we cannot forget those still in Gaza.”
Remembering the time he spent in Palestine, Ashraf recalled asking young children if there was anything he could do to help them.
Ashraf said the children told him to “go back to your home country, tell them about us, tell them who we are.”
Organisers said there would be a vigil planned every week until a ceasefire was called, and urged people to attend the major protest on Glasgow Green on Saturday, organised by the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee.
It will take place at 1pm near the Nelson Monument, with participants being asked to enter via The Arches Saltmarket side.
