A top Christian monthly magazine has published an interview with Khalid Mish'al, widely regarded as the most senior figure in Hamas, the Islamist resistance group elected in Palestine and described as 'terrorists' by the USA.

Following protests from civic, human rights and church groups, Israel has said that it will allow some fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip - but only for one day. Its blockade has contributed to a large humanitarian crisis.

The Archbishop of York pounded an African drum to celebrate the release of the BBC's Alan Johnston from captivity in Gaza today. Now Hamas wants recognition for its Palestinian authority. And many non-Westerners remain in prison.

With global attention focussing on news of BBC journalist Alan Johnston's release from captivity in Gaza, a leading church agency says it is time to end the isolation of the Palestinian authority if peace is to be possible.

Heads of the historic churches in Jerusalem have welcomed the Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum launched in Jordan last week. They want to work with those of all faiths and none to achieve a breakthrough in the deadly stalemate.

Fighting between the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip has highlighted the urgent need for the international community to end the isolation and blockade on the Palestinian government, say churches and NGOs.

The head of the United Church of Canada has written to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging his government urgently and immediately to resume financial support to the Palestinian Unity Government - in the face of a wide boycott.

International relief agency Oxfam is urging the European Union to lift a year-long suspension of aid to the Hamas-led government as the Palestinian people sink deeper into poverty.

Talks between the Palestinian factions of Hamas and Fatah have forged an agreement to create a Palestinian unity government, following extensive diplomatic and political efforts.

Church leaders in Jerusalem have offered to play a mediating role in the Hamas and Fateh dispute in Palestine. They are urging an end to violence in order for them to focus on the true priority of their people - independence, reports Ecumenical News International.