MEMBERS of the Bradford on Avon Friends of Palestine held their second ‘Walk for Peace’ on Sunday before the official United Nations-designated Day of Peace on Tuesday.

The group was raising funds for the town’s link with the people of Tubas in the north West Bank of Palestine next to the Jordan Valley.

Judith Hammond, spokeswoman for BOAFOP, said: "Only last week the group heard from Jalal, a primary head teacher and principal link, that how on 14th September, Israeli occupation forces fired teargas into Tayasir village school in the region, whilst the children were in class.

"Panic and fear broke out as they suffered from suffocation, until an ambulance crew arrived to treat them. These children need our support.

"This was frightening and caused untold misery to the pupils and teachers: it is so damaging for Israeli military exercises to take place right at the centre of Palestinian communities – we don’t see indiscriminate firing on Salisbury Plain."

Israel has taken military action against Palestine in response to attacks by Hamas, which it regards as a terrorist group.

Mrs Hammond added: "On Sunday, 15 people started from Bath Abbey at 2pm and we were delighted our mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson was able to join us throughout.

"We walked to Sydney Gardens and then along the canal towpath to Bradford on Avon. Our tabards alerted other canal users to our cause and thus far we have raised nearly £500."

She added: "The weather was predominately good with the odd shower catching us out, but spirits remained high and we were pleased to be joined by six more walkers at Avoncliff."

To support their cause, donate via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/boafriendsofpalestine