The government’s decision to revoke five arms export licences to Israel has been described by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) as “far too little, far too late”.

A Palestinian community organization is offering a way for many more countries to join World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 4-10 June 2009 – by sending peace prayers to Bethlehem. The Week is intended to generate joint church action for a just peace.

Following widespread international criticism, Israel has re-opened crossings into the Gaza Strip to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Methodist Church in Britain has urged for Gaza border crossings to be kept open so that emergency food aid can reach people in need.

A top Christian monthly magazine has published an interview with Khalid Mish'al, widely regarded as the most senior figure in Hamas, the Islamist resistance group elected in Palestine and described as 'terrorists' by the USA.

Bethlehem participants in a global week of church advocacy are inviting individuals and groups around the world to send them wishes and prayers for peace. Incoming emails will be shared with parishes, schools and organizations in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

A leading regional church figure says Christians in Palestine-Israel are living in a difficult situation, with some cases of Muslim-Christian tension. But talk of 'persecution' is exaggerated and the real task is to combat injustice.