As war rages between Israel and Hamas and the number of children killed in Palestine continues to rise, a group of Irish and British volunteers have arrived in the conflict-ridden country and are about to undertake an unusual but inspiring project that aims to enhance the lives of young people who call Palestine home.

NATO forces said yesterday it would not let up the fight against Taliban insurgents during the Afghan winter and co-ordinated operations with the Pakistani army would likely hamper the militants’ traditional rest from combat.

EIGHT of Jean McConville’s children, from twins aged six and 16, were in the house in the dismal, trouble-torn Divis area of west Belfast when their mother was abducted in early December 1972.