7th June 2026

The funeral of a seven-month-old Palestinian baby, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, shot dead by an Israeli soldier while in a car with his family in Hebron in the occupied West Bank has taken place. The West Bank is not in Gaza or Lebanon, or any designated combat zone. The incident represents a significant escalation of violence. 

Days after the Israel and Lebanon agreed to a conditional truce during United States-mediated talks at least 10 people were killed yesterday, including high-ranking soldiers, in Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon.  A ceasefire that was supposed to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on April 17, but has never been fully respected by the either side. 

Loving God, enfold the parents of Sam Fahd Abu Haikal in your loving care. Meet them in their trauma and grief. Bring your protection to all who live in the West Bank.  May the IDF troops take care and diligence when performing their roles so their actions are professional and well considered. We pray too for all the people of south Lebanon, many displaced from home and livelihoods.  They see their communities flattened, freinds and neighbours killed, traumatised and fearful. We pray for an end to the violence that brings no hope, no healing, no resolution to competing desires.   In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Yesterday as the Pope began a week long tour of Spain, he urged global leaders to avoid dividing their electorates with "sterile simplifications" to gain popularity and called on them ​to listen to the world's cries for peace. "Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity ‌continues to be violated," Pope ⁠Leo said. "I invite everyone to set aside the divisive and polarizing narratives of your societal reality and history, so as to ​overcome sterile simplifications through the fruitful appreciation of complexity," he added. 

Almighty God and Father,

your are the King of glory.

We worship you, we give you praise,

for you alone are the holy one,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the most high;

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your constant presence.

We worship you with joy

and seek to know you better.

We thank you that you have created us in your own image

so that we may love, glorify and serve you. 

We thank you for the many blessings

you give each day that sustain our bodies and our souls

and that give us purpose and fulfilment.

We thank you that we can turn to you for strength

and support when life is challenging.  Amen.