A former Bradford student and peace activist has been shot by during a demonstration in Gaza, it has emerged.

Bianca Zammit, who studied for an MA in Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bradford University from 2007 to 2008, joined peaceful protesters at a disputed piece of farmland in the city.

The video on YouTube

Miss Zammit, a Maltese woman working with the International Solidarity Movement, was filming the event when she was shot in the thigh.

Maltese press reported the shot had been fired by a sniper in the Israeli Defence Forces.

When she was in Bradford, Miss Zammit was an active member of church peace group JustSpace.

The Reverend Chris Howson, Bradford city centre mission priest, said he understood four people had been injured after shots were fired at the group of about 300 protesters.

He said: “Luckily the bullet missed her bone and went through the muscle in her leg.

“We have sent her a message wishing her well and letting her know she is in our thoughts and prayers.

“She was a very feisty student and took part in our campaigns. She was very committed to peace. She was out there showing support to people. She’s extremely brave and we were all horrified at what happened.”

He said Miss Zammit was recovering from the wounds she suffered last Saturday and, although she cannot walk yet, was expected to make a full recovery.

“I am really sad that the violence in Gaza continues unabated, and having someone from JustSpace being shot there brings it very close to home,” Mr Howson said.

“We are hoping that at a later date, when Bianca is fully recovered, she will be able to come and tell her story in Bradford.”