Campaigners for peace in Gaza held a public meeting In Dorchester highlighting the plight of Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. 

The meeting organised by the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign saw speakers talk on several subjects relating to the conflict - including a local Dorset-based Palestinian doctor - who spoke of his experience growing up in the West Bank.

Mohammad Obeidallah said: "As a child it was incredibly difficult to travel anywhere. To go to see my grandparents should have taken about 40 minutes.

"It could take three hours because an 18 year old soldier decided he didn't want to allow anyone through a checkpoint.

"Growing up you did not know what could happen to you."

Alongside Dr Obeidallah was Poppy, a youth activist who has led local school walkouts and organised local protests.

She spoke about the suffering that is being caused to Palestinian women caught up in the conflict.

Poppy said: "Some 70 per cent of those killed by Israel are women and children. But seeing Palestinian women as solely survivors, belittles the fact that they have been the political spine of the struggle for liberation across generations."

Other speakers included Ben Jamal, the national director for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Lindsey German, national convenor of the Stop the War Coalition and Rob Ferguson, Secretary of Dorset PSC. 

They discussed topics including the British governments support for Israel, calling for an arms embargo and mainstream media coverage of the conflict. 

It comes after the group recently raised £800 for the Medical Aid for Palestine at a fundraising event in Maiden Newton where 60 people attended to celebrate Palestinian culture.