The laying of Palestinian flags and other items at the foot of the Trowbridge War Memorial has been labelled “inappropriate and disrespectful".

Three small flags, a child's doll and children's toys were placed on the steps of the War Memorial in the town park.

The conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas has so far claimed more than 33,000 lives and injured more than 75,000 people, many of them women and children.

Wiltshire Times: The three small Palestinian flags, child's doll and children's toys left on the steps of the Trowbridge War Memorial in protest at the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The three small Palestinian flags, child's doll and children's toys left on the steps of the Trowbridge War Memorial in protest at the ongoing conflict in Gaza. (Image: Antonio Piazza)

But Cllr Antonio Piazza says the protest over the weekend disrespects the memory of the 289 people from Trowbridge who died in two world wars and other global conflicts.

"Utilising a war memorial as a medium for such expressions is both inappropriate and disrespectful," he said.

“These memorials are dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and they should remain places of honour, remembrance, and reflection.

"There are numerous other platforms and methods for protest that can be utilised without diminishing the dignity of these sacred spaces.

"I urge all members of our community to express their views in a manner that respects our shared values and history. Let us find more constructive and respectful ways to engage in dialogue."

Former armed forces Captain Roy Zaman, chairman of the Trowbridge Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Although I sympathise with the situation and the terrible war in Gaza I have to say there are better ways to protest than to put what I would consider inappropriate flags or things on a War Memorial to our fallen.

“I am more than content for people to have the right to protest but I think it is inappropriate to desecrate our War Memorial in that way.

“It is a conundrum isn’t it, because they have a right to protest. It is a terrible war and the way the Middle East is at the moment one can only hope that they see sense and continue negotiation.”

The items were removed on Sunday morning and the War Memorial was not damaged.

Trowbridge Town Council leader Stewart Palmen said the protest had made its point.

“It is understandable that people with links to Gaza are heartbroken at the loss of life there - as it is that Israelis mourn their dead and deplore the terrorist massacre of last October," he said.

“We stand with those on all sides who want peace. Lib Dem values include liberty and tolerance.

"We believe in the right of individuals to make their own decisions about how they live their lives, as long as they do not cause harm to others.”