To the extent that the Palestinians avoid military confrontation with Israel, it will be difficult for Israel to find a pretext to deport masses of people. Moral restraint, anticipation of rage of 1.5 million Muslims, and world opinion will not allow unprovoked ethnic cleansing, says Ghassan Michel Rubeiz. Force should not be used to draw borders, displace people and forge national identity.

Human rights and faith groups are urgently calling for more action on behalf of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who faces execution in Iran.

New video footage of a public hanging in Iran highlights the brutalisation of the condemned and those who watch executions, says Amnesty International.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is concerned by reports that two Iranian pastors have been charged with apostasy, with one currently facing a death sentence.