Church leaders in the Middle East region and across the world are giving a cautious but hopeful initial response to the proposals coming out of the Annapolis summit in Maryland, USA, concerning sustainable peace in Israel and Palestine.

Good faith, multilateral participation and adherence to the rule of law are essential if the Annapolis Middle East Conference starting today is to be a success, World Council of Churches' chief Dr Samuel Kobia has written to the key participants.

Pope Benedict gave his support and prayers to a major peace conference that will gather in Annapolis, Maryland, USA, tomorrow, seeking steps toward a sustainable solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Long-time Middle East expert Dr Harry Hagopian, Ecumenical, Legal & Political Consultant to the Armenian Church in the UK, assesses the prsopects of the Annapolis for peace with justice in Israel-Palestine.

Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders of the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative in the US have met with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, R. Nicholas Burns raising specific concerns related to the Annapolis peace conference and follow-up efforts.

Christian Aid and some 40 other development and human rights organisations are warning world leaders attending the Middle East conference in Annapolis of the dangers of ignoring the humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza.