RESIDENTS of Prestatyn have come together to raise awareness about the current plight in Palestine.

Prestatyn’s Peace for Palestine was created by Coral Smith, an active member of the community for many years, and former President of CYTUN, Churches Together.

The group are holding a 'Peace Walk' up Prestatyn High Street on March 2 and are calling on members of the public to join them.

Ataur-Raziq Gonzalez, member of Prestatyn’s Peace for Palestine and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said: "The situation in Gaza is beyond any horror you can imagine. There are over one million people trapped in Rafah, the southernmost town, which is roughly the size of Rhyl and has a population made up of mostly children and women. 

"As well as the initial loss of life in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, it is now believed that over 28,000 Palestinians have been killed. Twelve thousand of these are children, that’s six times the number of children enrolled at Prestatyn High School.

"We are reaching out to our local leaders to reflect our plea to the council and the Senedd”.

People are being asked to meet at 12pm at Prestatyn Train Station (shopping park side). The walk will start at 12.15am and stop at Pendre Gardens. Here, people will be given the opportunity to take a rest, say a few words of reflection and meet others from the group.

For those who would like to continue, there will be a tour around some of the churches in the area for prayer and the lighting of candles.

The event finishes at the Nant Hall Church, with refreshments.

Catherine Platt, Group Secretary, said: “Since the conflict began, I think many of us have felt quite helpless, and wondering how we could contribute to efforts in alleviating the terrible suffering being experienced.

"Prestatyn’s Peace for Palestine is an open group for anyone living in the local area wanting to raise their voice and call for decisive action in achieving lasting peace. Membership is open to all - regardless of race, age, religion, and political belief. We hope as many people as possible will join our walk on the March 2”.

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Coral said: "Although we may be far away from the conflict, it’s important to show our local leaders that this corner of North Wales cares about this terrible plight.

"We hope for a resolution that will enable a peace that is based on mutual respect and understanding for Palestinians and Israelis, with security, equity, and justice for all. And of course, there needs to be a greater push for humanitarian access to food, water and medical assistance.

"Our group plans to continue the conversation around peace in the months to come, as well as raise money for aid."

For more information, visit Prestatyn’s Peace for Palestine on Facebook, or email prestatynp4p@gmail.com.