The Middle East Quartet (EU, Russia, UN, USA) is failing - making inadequate progress towards improving the lives of Palestinians or improving the prospects for peace - according to a new report by leading humanitarian and human rights organisations.

Following protests from civic, human rights and church groups, Israel has said that it will allow some fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip - but only for one day. Its blockade has contributed to a large humanitarian crisis.

Shepherds in the Palestinian village of Tuba in the South Hebron Hills have been working to preserve their livelihood in the face of threats from Israeli settlers, Christian Peacemaker Teams at At-Tuwani reports.

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.

Middle East Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan has urged Palestinians to "use brains, sanity, dialogue and non-violence and not arms to deal with differences".

Church leaders in Jerusalem have offered to play a mediating role in the Hamas and Fateh dispute in Palestine. They are urging an end to violence in order for them to focus on the true priority of their people - independence, reports Ecumenical News International.

The Protestant development aid programme Kerkinactie has left the national platform of Dutch peace and development organizations advocating a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - writes Andreas Havinga for Ecumenical News International.
The decision of Kerkinactie to end its membership of United Civilians for Peace (UCP) was announced on 22 December and took effect earier this week.