This book gives an up-to-date account of the life of Palestinians in the West Bank in its fortieth year of occupation by Israel. Based around photographs of, and interviews with, ordinary Palestinian people, it looks at all aspects of daily life ranging from restrictions on movement and imprisonment to the effects of the occupation on business, the practising of religion and the development of democracy. Finding a solution to what is frequently termed the "Israeli-Palestinian conflict" is now widely acknowledged as an important step in reversing the growing gap between main stream Muslim society and the West. By providing the reader with a comprehensive understanding of how Israel's policies in the West Bank affect the lives of real people on the ground, it cuts through the smokescreens and political correctness that pervades coverage of the issue and offers the reader a new platform from which to form his or her own opinions.

Mark Howell is a freelance photographer with a specific interest in the Middle East. He combines analytical skills derived from eight years experience as a qualified lawyer with photographic craft honed during a Masters Degree in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, to produce balanced, comprehensive and accessible works.