The current situation for Israelis and Palestinians is miserable and stalemated, says Harry Hagopian. But in analysing the role, outlook and prospects for each of the protagonists in the region, he argues that a break with the politics of despair is essential.

Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan has appealed to leaders of churches in Europe to stand by Christians in the Middle East in their struggle for justice and peace.

A Lutheran-run initiative in Beit Jala has been obstructed by Israeli troops who prevented participants from reaching one of the event sites yesterday morning

Israeli forces killed hundreds of unarmed Palestinian civilians and destroyed thousands of homes in Gaza in attacks which breached the laws of war, Amnesty International says in a new report.

Former United States President Jimmy Carter has told Christian leaders in Jerusalem that he sees "new hope" for the developing peace process in the Middle East.

Palestine has been wiped off the map, its land colonized, and its people ethnically cleansed, says Ben White. Expecting those on the receiving end to be satisfied with the crumbs from the table is both unjust – and wishful thinking.

A new book by a leading Christian commentator argues that the problems of Israel-Palestine are deep rooted in “the essence of Zionism" and Israeli policies in the region.

As European ministers meet in Brussels on proposals to upgrade political and trade links with Israel, British foreign secretary David Miliband faces pressure to call for the suspension of an agreement which gives Israel preferential trade deals

Change is in the air as churches in many parts of the world hold a "World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel" that began on 4 June 2009, say organisers and participants. New voices are advocating steps toward peace.