A region-concern alliance of major Christian denominations in the USA, Churches for Middle East Peace, has appealed to United States assistant secretary of state David Welch to seek a halt to Israeli excavations near the Temple Mount (Haram al- Sharif) in the Old City of Jerusalem - a major Islamic and Jewish holy site.

Talks between the Palestinian factions of Hamas and Fatah have forged an agreement to create a Palestinian unity government, following extensive diplomatic and political efforts.

Independence from those who claim to represent the country's diverse Jewish community is being declared today, by a group of prominent British Jews, both, secular and relgious. In particular, they raise concerns about an uncritical stance on the policies of the state of Israel.

Independence from the country's Jewish establishment will be declared today, by a group of prominent British Jews, over their stance on Israel.

Describing the past six months as "a disaster for Palestinians and indeed the whole Middle East," the leading Lutheran bishop in Jerusalem has urged US Christians to join their Middle East brothers and sisters and say they are "fed up" with stigmatization, bloodshed, hatred and occupation affecting both Israelis and Palestinians.

As a record 5,300 events take place across Britain this weekend to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2007, organisers and supporters are warning about complacency over whether “it could happen again”.

United Nations member states are being urged this week to support the draft UN General Assembly resolution condemning Holocaust denial. A vote is expected on Friday 26 January 2007. The move is being supported by human rights and faith groups, as well as the American Jewish Congress.