16th February 2026

Yesterday, Israeli ministers agreed to start a process that will permit Israeli's to register land in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank - the first time since 1967.  The Israeli government's aim is to reduce the potential for a future independent Palestinian state. Much of the West Bank is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas run by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian presidency condemned the Israeli government's actions, saying it constitutes "a de-facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory and a declaration of the commencement of annexation plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through illegal settlement activity." In 2024, the United Nations' highest court said in a non-binding advisory opinion that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements are illegal and should be ended as soon as possible. 

Loving God, what are we to pray when ownership of land is disputed?  What are we to pray when one group of people seek to eject or oppress another?  Help us remember that the land is yours, each person made in your image, and that what we do for the least of people we do for Christ himself. Help us have compassion for the weak and vulnerable, the outcast and the down cast.  May we not seek to have power over others but to use our power with others to ensure all have fulfilled lives and can live in peace and unity. Guide the international community to work diligently and wisely to resolve disputes over the West Bank. Guide the Israeli government to ensure that no person is harassed, displaced, or harmed, but to uphold your command to treat the foreigner living in their land as one of their native born. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen. 

Irish charity, COPE Galway, has been backed with €1.4 million of low-interest finance over 10 years from St Columba’s Credit Union (SCCU) to support the delivery of capital projects for people experiencing homelessness. The fund will accelerate critical projects by complementing existing Government funding and enable COPE Galway to move ahead with several projects - some of which are already in development – such as housing and other support projects, that would otherwise face delays at Government level. The benefits to the wider community will be found in funding staying in Galway to support local jobs, sustainable services and stronger infrastructure. Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer TD said “Through COPE Galway and SCCU working together, they are ensuring that local resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact, delivering practical benefits for people who need support most.”

YOu can find out more about COPE Galway here. 

Almighty God, I bow in worship.

I praise you and adore you.

I thank you for your love for me

and for all the blessings you pour upon me.

I honour you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

I give you glory and honour

I thank you for Jesus.

I thank you for his death upon the cross

for the forgiveness of sin.

I praise you almighty Father

for raising him to new life.

I glorify you that through faith in him

you promise eternal life lived with you forever.

I praise you for your Holy Spirit

who guides and teaches me,

and shows me the work of your hand every day.

All day long I will give you praise and thanksgiving

one God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.