Reiterating its call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the World Council of Churches has appealed to Christians everywhere to pray for peace and to advocate with their governments for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.

A coalition of major humanitarian, human rights and development organisations called on the European Union today to immediately suspend any further enhancement of its relations with Israel

An MP who took part in a parliamentary delegation to Israel-Palestine last year has said that the season of Epiphany vividly illustrates the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian measures in Gaza.

Israeli shells have killed 40 people and injured 60 at a UN-run school in Gaza – the third hit so far – fuelling accusations that the IDF are acting outside international legal and humanitarian standards.

What we see in Gaza is the abyss of violence, says Simon Barrow. Limiting retribution is important, but in the longer run only active, nonviolent love can challenge the destructive politics of vengeance.

Taking the ancient religious law of proportionate response ("an eye for an eye") as an injunction for modern revenge and preemptive attack is a recipe for disaster, says Martin Marty.

Three Anglican bishops have joined public figures in a call for the European Union to refuse further privileges to Israel while it remains in breach of international law and acting brutally in Gaza.

Despite conflict in Gaza, bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are proceeding with plans to travel to the Middle East today.

Over 4000 Israeli ground troops are now operating inside Gaza. 550 Palestinians and 5 Israelis have died. Many hundreds of Gazans have been injured and one million are living without electricity.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has said her “intensive diplomatic activity in recent days is aimed at deflecting the pressure for a cease-fire to allow enough time for the operation to achieve its goals.”