The vigils continue as peace is still very uncertain
October 2025
The 99th vigil took place in Salisbury market place on 25th with over 35 in attendance. The question we continue to ask ourselves is ‘should we continue?’ The ceasefire on 10 October was thought by some to mark some kind of end to hostilities and with talk of peacekeepers and much glad-handing, it might have hinted at an end to it all. We continue because it does not look to be promising. Fundamental issues remain and the distrust is very deep. There is little sign of a genuine rapprochement. The West Bank violence continues and there is no plan to resolve the plight of Palestinians there and the attacks they are subject to show no sign of ending.
A podcast on Haaretz discusses the current situation and makes the point that Netanyahu is unhappy with the agreement. The Americans are ‘keeping a watchful eye on [him]’ they report. Israel has been reminded they are not the only stakeholder in the area and the bombing of Qatar was clearly a major mistake – perhaps a hubristic mistake – by the government. JD Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have all been in Israel as part of the US plan to maintain momentum.
Israel is feeling the pressure but so is Hamas and the lack of clarity over their role is a factor. They were to hand over all weapons but they are busy settling scores with the various crime groups – some supported by Israel – and acting as a quasi police force. Hostage bodies are being handed over but finding them does seem to be a genuine problem.
Israel has not allowed independent media into Gaza. However, with the promise of an external force of some kind being discussed, the ending of this bar may be on the cards it has been reported.
A video of this vigil thanks to Peter Gloyns for preparing it. A letter was published in last week’s Salisbury Journal by one of the attendees at our vigils. An interesting article in the Observer (26th) discusses how Israelis will have to come to terms with their PTSD as time goes by.
November 1st will be our 100th vigil so we hope many will turn out for the half an hour.
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Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire 