Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is to visit Israel this summer for the first time since becoming head of the Church of England earlier this year.

The visit will take place in June but further details were unavailable as his itinerary was still being drafted.

The archbishop's website notes that he has previously met "religious and political leaders in Israel and Palestine" in the course of his reconciliation work as canon of Coventry Cathedral.

Pro-Palestinian activists have sent a letter urging him to visit Palestinians "who are suffering behind walls". Signatories include Stephen Leah, who authored a report critical of Israel for the Methodists.