A WEST Somerset clergyman spoke out this week on what he described as Israel’s oppression of Palestinians in Gaza.

Methodist minister the Rev Tim Woods launched an appeal for money to support a hospital in northern Gaza.

Mr Woods said Palestinians there were suffering ‘the most appalling oppression and bombardment’.

Yet, a round-the-clock emergency service was still provided by the Al Ahli Hospital, owned and supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

Mr Woods said: “The shocking and catastrophic situation in Gaza continues.

“The hospital is still serving the whole human ‘family’ (ahli) despite the most appalling oppression and bombardment.

“It is now the only functioning hospital in the north, and they are somehow maintaining a 24-hour emergency service.”

Mr Woods said the Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association (JMECA) had appealed for support to keep Al Ahli going.

He asked for West Somerset residents to send him cheques before the end of the month made payable to JMECA and marked ‘Al Ahli’ on the back, and if they were able to ‘Gift Aid’ the donation he would provide an envelope.

Or, people could donate online at www.jmeca.org.uk, in which case he asked they should let him know what had been given so he could total how much had been raised.

Mr Woods said: “Your name will not be passed on to anybody else. And, please keep on praying for peace.”

He could be contacted through Alcombe’s parish church, where he was supported by the benefice incumbent the Rev Kenneth Cross.