A packed hall at Wells Museum on 20 November listened intently as experts shared firsthand accounts of the crisis unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank. The event, organised by the Mid-Somerset Oxfam Group and Amnesty International, offered a sobering look at the human impact of the ongoing conflict.

Ruth James, Oxfam International's Regional Humanitarian Co-ordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, described the dire conditions in Gaza. She shared stories of people struggling without food, water, or shelter, and highlighted the plight of over 20,000 children left without surviving family members. "Some children are risking their lives climbing bombed buildings for materials to sell, just to buy food," she said, recounting the devastation she witnessed during her visits to the region since the war began.

Dr Sue Jones, a former Wells City Councillor, followed with a harrowing account of life in the West Bank. Drawing from her experience as a human rights observer with the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme, Dr Jones highlighted the systemic violations of international law under the Occupation. She used the example of a Bedouin community to illustrate the broader struggles faced by many Palestinians.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of the Mid-Somerset Oxfam Group. Oxfam's Katie Edmondson praised the group for raising over £7,000 in the past year through events like pub quizzes, a New Year's Eve ceilidh, and the One World Fair.

Anyone inspired to get involved with this active local group is encouraged to contact Jenny Williams at [email protected].