IT HAS taken a humanitarian crisis in Gaza to capture the public’s interest in the ongoing conflict. On the back of this devastation one charity, devoted to supporting ordinary Palestinians, has attracted new members.

Friends of Sabeel, a Christian organisation based in Dursley, has experienced a surge in interest as people find themselves sympathising with the plight of Palestinian citizens.

In an interview with Jennifer Oldershaw, co-ordinator of the English arm of the charity, last February she told the Gazette she felt positive that some kind of twin-state agreement could be made between the Israeli and Palestinian governments.

However Jennifer, who visited the country four months ago, is now less optimistic about the situation.

"Gaza is still in crisis because humanitarian aid is getting in very slowly. People are still dying of their injuries," said Jennifer, of Hawkesbury Upton.

"It is now getting on for 1,500 people who have died as a result of the Israeli attacks.

"Elsewhere things are getting very difficult for Palestinian people living in East Jerusalem, their houses are being demolished and those still living there are under constant threat."

Jennifer travelled out to Jerusalem last November for the annual Friends of Sabeel conference and visited refugee camps in Bethlehem.

She said the visit showed her the extent of the devastation in the country and highlighted the constant fight for survival the Palestinian people endure.

Jennifer said: "Two days before the conference started a family in East Jerusalem, the Al Kurd family, were evicted from their home, which they had owned since 1956.

"A settler family forced them out at gunpoint and moved into their house. The father in the family died some days later of an illness. We spoke to the mother who was a very dignified and intelligent lady.

"The Palestinian people have not given up. They fight every day by just living and trying to survive. They also hold peaceful protests and demonstrations.

"They just have to go on, going on the best they can. Palestinians just want to live in their own land, is that too much to ask?"

A public meeting is being held in The Space, Stroud, at 7pm on Thursday, for people to learn more about the crisis in Gaza and to find out ways they can help.

Jennifer said the best way for people to get involved is to write to their local MPs, sign petitions or join Friends of Sabeel, which does not condone any form of violence of terrorism.

Jennifer added: "We continue to raise awareness of the situation for Palestinians and people can help by making their views about it known however they can."