Richard Sewell

VICTORY! UEFA, the international football governing body has forced Israel to backtrack and halt the plan to destroy Aida refugee camp’s football pitch.

An illegal act for which the culprits should face the consequences under law. But they won’t because the international community has given up bothering to challenge such acts.

That’s so good to hear. And we’re still making those tiles. But none in 2025 as no one came on pilgrimage with us.

First light turns Jerusalem the Golden, pink.

UK recognition of Palestine is only a first step The C of E must show that it truly cares about Palestinian Christians, says Xavier Abu Eid

Excellent article by my friend, Xavier Abu Eid who is a member of St Peter’s Anglican Church in Birzeit in Occupied Palestine.

I’ve heard of it but haven’t seen a copy yet. I’ll have to see if the Educational Bookshop have a copy yet. Thanks for the tip.

Inspire your church to act for a just peace - Christian Aid Inspire your church to act for a just peace.

Prayer and action for the International Day of Peace - Sunday 21 September. Needed for so many parts of our world and for us in Palestine and Israel it is especially urgent as we are in the brink of an even darker nightmare. Please support and share.
www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved...

The news regarding Layan’s court case is (surprisingly) that it has been postponed, yet again, until November. Still, the family take this as good news for now. Thanks to all for prayers and support in so many ways.

Today our friend Layan Nasir appears in an Israeli military court facing charges which have hung over her for 4 years. Despite 8 months in administrative detention last year for a different issue which was never revealed, Layan faces further unjust imprisonment.
We cry out to God for justice.

Having spent 7 months in an Israeli jail last year under administrative detention, Layan Nasir is facing trial again. Her much-postponed trial will conclude on Sept 7. All pressure to avoid a custodial sentence is needed now. Letters to Israeli ambassadors and elected representatives please.

Your rector needs to educate himself. Take no notice.

Two killings confirmed and at least six others injured including Fr Romanelli. An eyewitness reported that “there are many displaced people there who found shelter in the church complex and thought it was a safe place." This is, of course, a totally unacceptable, disgusting attack on civilians.

We are receiving early reports of an Israeli missile attack on the compound of Holy Innocents Church in Gaza City. Information suggests at least two women have been killed. More information to follow when available.

The denials defy belief:
There’s no famine in Gaza.
There’s no problem with GHF’s aid distribution process.
IDF soldiers do not target aid seekers.
Evidence tells us otherwise and denials don’t change that. Only independent investigation will reveal the full truth. Let’s have it.

Today is St Peter’s day in the Church year. Several churches in the Holy Land are dedicated to St Peter. One of the best is St Peter Primacy on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its simple beauty captures the heart of the gospel story. Jesus Christ calls us to follow and seek his kingdom of justice.

Beabadoobee at Glastonbury smashed it. So proud!

Kneecap, Palestine Action, flags, slogans, next they’ll be banning olives, watermelons and keffiyehs (or are they banned already?).

Haaretz reports today IDF officers and soldiers admit that they were ordered to fire at unarmed crowds near food distribution sites in Gaza, even when no threat was present. Here the crimes are told in plain speak for the benefit of those who continue in total denial of horrific truth.

Netanyahu has cancelled the GHF ‘food aid project’ in Gaza because of alleged Hamas hijacking of aid. So now, no food at all is being distributed at the height of a humanitarian disaster. Israel is not capable of running a competent aid effort so the alternative must be installed NOW!

Agreed. I desperately want a ceasefire and for it to hold. It’s just that Trump’s words and ways are so deceitful and deluded.

Don’t believe anything Trump says. Especially don’t believe anything he claims regarding the Middle East. He literally knows nothing. As he (unilaterally) declares a ceasefire, right now missiles are raining down on Iran and across Israel. Peace work takes time and care. Trump gives neither.

Trump dropped a bomb on the negotiating room and now he says ‘it’s time to talk’. The ‘Great Deal Maker’ has not secured a single deal in this term but he still hails his own extraordinary abilities. He and the US are destabilising forces in this volatile region. Sirens still sounding in Jerusalem.

Notebook Francis Martin on a pilgrimage, of sorts, to Jerusalem

Francis Martin writes beautifully about being in Jerusalem even when your trip has been cancelled because of the missiles.

Reports on Iran, Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Trump contemplates a US bombing spree and others talk of ‘chopping off the head of the snake’. This is escalation talk which will be reciprocated. It’s leading to plans to evacuate internationals. So unsettling and troubling. We feel we belong here but there comes a time…Probably not yet though.

It is worth noting that current restrictions on people gathering means that the Western Wall is also largely closed. It is a situation which needs to be monitored very closely because extreme circumstances allows for an untrustworthy government to attempt to push a dangerous agenda.

Israel closes Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers until further notice Israel closes holy site in occupied East Jerusalem to worshippers for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic

Deeply worrying development as Israel closes access to Al Aqsa Mosque compound citing war with Iran as reason. This article explains the potential seismic implications of unprecedented move.

I’m still doing #FastForGaza.

I’m doing #FastForGaza again today. Attention is on Israel v Iran but meanwhile, people are still being starved and bombed in Gaza. Almost 400 people have been killed while trying to access emergency food. Lift the siege. Fast-Pray-Advocate!

While the G7 are bravely affirming Israel’s ‘right to self defence’ they ignore the ongoing deliberate starvation of 2 million people in Gaza. Day by day dozens of aid seekers are being shot. It is the most inhumane feeding programme ever devised. The world turns a blind eye but time will come.