WORLD Week for Peace in Palestine Israel 2016 was on September 18 – 24 but was almost completely missed by most people.

During the week, people and churches around the world campaigned for peace in the Holy Land, raised awareness about the situation there and held the people of Israel and Palestine in their prayers.

This important initiative was started by the World Council of Churches who urged not only churches but whole communities to campaign for peace.

The focus in the UK was the illegal demolition of Palestinian homes and structures.

This year over 1,000 houses have been demolished and it is really sad to see people rebuilding their houses only for the Israeli army, in many cases, to demolish them again.

One reason given has been to allow a road to be built linking two Israeli settlements. Another was to make space for a national park.

No compensation is given and Palestinians must simply leave areas where, in many cases, their families have lived for many generations.

I urge people, even though World Week for Peace is over, to give some thought for the situation and campaign where they can for a just peace in that troubled part of the world.

Brian Oosthuysen

Stroud