- John Holmes, the U.N.'s undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs during a visit to the Palestinian city of Hebron on Saturday February 16, 2008. Photo by/ Najeh Hashlamoun/ ALWATAN C. - France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner visit to the Holly Family of France hospital, the Peace Center and the municipality in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, February 16, 2008. http://www.palestinetoday.org

very sad news: Our colleague Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana killed by Israeli army in Gaza on Wednesday April 16, 2008. May his soul rest in peace, may his life and death not go unnoticed as another statistic in injustice! رحم الله شهيدنا المصور الصحافي فضل شناعة.. والشفاء للزميلين الصحفيين الجرحي وفاء أبو مزيد وأشرف أبو عمرة، الذين استهدفهم قصف اسرائيلي اليوم في غزة ، إلى جنات الخلد يا فضل وإلى ذويك الصبر وحسن العزاء نايف الهشلمون http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL1632826120080416

In cooperation with the al-Watan Center in Hebron, Mennonite Central Committee recently provided blankets and food to the community of cave dwellers and Bedouin families whose inhabitants reside in caves in the southernmost part of the West Bank. Although the residents of this area have owned and farmed the land on which they live for centuries, they now face a serious and persistent threat to their way of life. Surrounded by several Israeli settlements, this community regularly endures physical harassment along with land and water confiscation resulting from settlement development. Political and social marginalization has led to a lack of access to utilities, health care, and government subsidies. Such conditions challenge this group’s survival. Along with relief assistance, al-Watan and Mennonite Central Committee have begun to explore opportunities for economic development projects in the region.