14th October 2026

The Yellow Line divides Gaza’s territory between Israeli and Palestinian control as part of the October 2025 “ceasefire” agreement. It is marked on the ground by yellow concrete blocks.  Israeli forces withdrew behind this line.  However, the yellow concrete blocks have been moved by Israeli forces dozens of metres westward in Shujayea, in eastern Gaza City. The last time was just a day or two ago. The original line agreed about a year ago gave Israel control of around 53% of Gaza, they now control 65%. The impact of this is horrendous for Palestinian families finding themselves on the wrong side of the line as it moves. Many have been forced to move multiple times. Most live in makeshift tents are are subjected to the constant noise of drones, helicopters, artillery fire and in fear of stray bullets and shrapnel. Constant moving results in the loss of property such as disability aids and money. Pushing people into an ever decreasing space results in inhumane and unhealthy situations as garbage accumulates, sewage spills into streets and camps, and clean water becomes increasingly scarce.  Aid agencies warn that a new threat of disease is spreading across the territory. The UN Relief and Works Agency has warned of more than 125,000 cases of skin infections linked to rats and parasites between January and May this year.  

Loving God, we place into your care all in Gaza who are fearful for their lives and wellbeing. We pray that Israel's leadership will act with integrity and honesty in holding to the agreements they have made and that they will have humanitarian compassion for all who live in squalor and in increasingly more densely populated areas within the yellow boundary of Gaza.  We pray that the international community will work constructively with Israel and Palestinian leaders to bring a resolution to the oppression and conflict.  May your will be done in Gaza as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Located in Grottole, in the ‘instep’ of the Italian Peninsula a new major biomethane plant has come online.  It will save some 9,000 tons of CO2 annually by producing a natural gas substitute with agricultural waste,  ultimately producing 45 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy a year for decades.  Italy is a natural gas success story. The fuel accounts for 46% of the country’s electricity generation. The Grottole biomethane plant is now half way through its 6-month ramp-up stage.  It uses agricultural byproducts from local farms to produce low-carbon gas and fertilizer, directly supporting Europe’s decarbonization goals while strengthening energy security and the circular economy. 

A prayer based on  Psalm 65

Our God, we praise you

You take care of the earth

and send rain to help the soil

grow all kinds of crops.

Your rivers never run dry,

and you prepare the earth

to produce abundant grain.

You water all its fields and level the lumpy ground.

You send showers of rain

to soften the soil and help the plants sprout.

Wherever your footsteps touch the earth,

a rich harvest is gathered.

Desert pastures blossom, and mountains celebrate.

Meadows are filled with sheep and goats;

valleys overflow with grain and echo with joyful songs.

When our sins get us down, you forgive us.

Our God, you save us,

and you answer our prayers.

You give hope to people

everywhere on earth.

 We celebrate and sing because of you.

Amen.