14th June 2026

Since 2023 the West Bank has seen a sharp rise in Palestinian deaths and displacement according to humanitarian data compiled by aid groups and UN records, with 1,244 Palestinians, including 268 children, killed in the region between 2023 and the end of 2025. Over the past three years , nearly 46,000 Palestinians have been forced from their homes in the West Bank as a result of military operations, settler-related violence, home demolitions and movement restrictions. That compares with just over 13,000 displaced over previous 14 years combined.  More recently, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Palestinians being pushed from their homes in Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem. Palestinians account for some 40% of the city's population but according to the Israeli human rights group Bimkom, in 2025, only 7% of new housing was approved for Palestinians. Palestinians in Jerusalem have been warned that in the coming months the Israeli authorities will destroy more homes, Local activist Fakhri Abu Diab, told the BBC that his home was previously demolished, and he and his wife are now threatened with eviction from the caravan they set up by the rubble. In the UK, over 100 Members of Parliament and Lords, have called for the cancellation of an Israeli real estate event scheduled to take place in London today, which had appeared to advertise the sale of land in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The event had invited people to register their interest in Gush Etzion, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, which the UK government considers an illegal settlement. 

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.  We are concerned for their safety and for their way of life. May the Israeli authorities stop the constant oppression of Palestinians living on these lands.  May the destruction of homes, businesses and farms cease. We ask your comfort and compassion for all who mourn the deaths of those they loved and the demolition of their homes.  Grant them peace amoung their fear and trauma.  Lead the international community to speak out about and bring an end to these atrocities.  May all people  be able to live in peace. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

On the south coast of the UK, the Dorset's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride  is an annual motorcycle ride where the riders dress in suits and ties. More than 1,000 people took part in this year's even and raised over £100,000 for men's health causes. the ride is international, originally founded in Sydney, Australia, but now takes place in over 100 countries around the world. This year the global sun raise exceeded £5m.

Almighty God all glory be to you

for you have done great things for us.

You love us so much that you have given us your Son.

He gave his life as an atonement for sin,

and opened the gates of heaven

 that all may go in.

Your Son, Jesus Christ, has taught great truths,

and done great things for us.

We rejoice for all the blessings he has given us,

we look forward with anticipation,

joy, wonder and praise

for that day when we will meet him face to face.

Lord, we praise you.

May the earth hear your voice!

Lord, we praise you and rejoice!

We come to you Father, through Jesus your Son,

we give him great glory, great things he has done.

Prayer based on a hymn by Frances J Crosby published in 1875