14th April 2026

Despite the ceasefire agreement covering Gaza, yesterday an Israeli airstrike killed at least three Palestinians outside a school in Deir al-Balah. A relative of one of the victims said, “This isn’t a truce; it’s a trap for our young men. Every day there are martyrs, every single day. How long can this continue?” She added, “Isn't it unjust that a three-year-old child is afraid of seeing his (dead) father? He says, 'My father went to bring me something from the shop.'" The ceasefire that began last October has seen more than 750 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers killed. Yesterday, United Nations officials repeated calls for an end to Israeli attacks on displaced Palestinians in Gaza as well as forced displacement measures in the occupied West Bank. “This cycle of displacement, terror, and targeted attacks serves an ultimate purpose: to make life unbearable for Palestinians and permanently force them from their land,”  they said. Many in Gaza have been displaced multiple times. Areas known to shelter displaced civilians have been targeted - a grave breach of international humanitarian law. People, including children, who have been living in tents and makeshift shelters are experiencing grave health risks, including hunger, freezing, flooding, and a lack of basic services. The UN estimate that more than 36,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced due to expanding illegal settlement activity in the West Bank since 2025.

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours in Palestine who continue to live under oppression, whose daily lives are full of fear and trauma. Loving God, our prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones or been wounded, for all who are afraid and do not know what tomorrow will bring.  We lament the failure of the world's leaders to bring an end to the barbarity in Gaza. We lament the weakness of the United Nations, unable to uphold international law. Loving God help us to move away from reliance on failed military solutions, and affirm that all people are made in your image and should be treated with respect and dignity. Raise up skilful negotiators motivated by compassion and justice for all, to unlock a lasting peace. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

The prayer is based on a prayer from the Church of Scotland

The tiny village of West Witton in north Yorkshire, UK has a population of just 354. They held a fundraising event to support children affected by conflict overseas, and raised more than £5,200. An 'auction of promises' was held on Saturday, 28 March. The local people's generosity and good humour together with donations from businesses raised the funds to support UNICEF’s humanitarian work in Gaza and Ukraine.  Joy Baggaley, who organised the event, said: "It was a fantastic evening that truly showed the strength and kindness of our community. "We are incredibly proud to support UNICEF’s vital work providing aid to those affected by conflict in Gaza and Ukraine." The organisers said the auction not only raised essential funds but brought the community together in a spirit of solidarity and generosity, demonstrating the meaningful impact smaller communities can have on global issues.

Eternal and loving God

we thank you for a new day

and all the opportunities it brings.

We praise you for life

and for your love for us.

You are our strength in time of weakness,

you carry our burdens when they weigh us down,

you direct our path at the crossroads of our lives.

We thank you.

We praise you for your promises of eternal life

through faith in your Son,

Jesus Christ the Lord.

We thank you that through faith in him

and by his work on the cross our sin is forgiven.

Lord we give you praise, and glory, and honour,

and thank you for all your blessings.

Amen.