Ecumenical Church Leaders Urge for Demilitarization and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza and Broader Middle East and Humanitarian Aid - FULL TEXT
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Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Calls for Deescalation, Demilitarization, and Support of Permanent Ceasefire and Lasting Peace between Israel and Hamas and in the broader Middle East
23rd Jan. 2025 Washington D.C.- Monday, January 20, 2025, marked a pivotal moment as our nation observed the inauguration of new leadership and the beginning of the Trump Administration.
This event calls for reflection, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of justice and peace both at home and abroad. During his inaugural speech, President Trump identified himself as a peacemaker and unifier committed not only to winning wars but to ending them - citing the release of the Israeli hostages as a fulfillment of these commitments.
President Trump’s initial actions indicate policy shifts that contradict the principles of peacebuilding. One of President Trump’s first actions included the lifting of sanctions on Israeli settlers and the reintroduction of 2000-pound bombs into conflict zones, which will undermine the fragile foundations necessary for reconciliation and healing. These decisions do not reflect a commitment to peace but a prioritization of militarization and destruction over diplomacy and justice.
CMEP calls on the Trump Administration to do everything within its power to ensure that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas holds and becomes permanent. CMEP has consistently called for the return of hostages and release of Palestinian prisoners held unjustly, open humanitarian access into Gaza, and that the core causes of the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians be addressed through non-violent mechanisms. The U.S. must encourage a lasting and negotiated settlement to end the cycles of violence and trauma, to bring the decades-long occupation of the Palestinian people to ensure that generations of Palestinians and Israelis might live with dignity, equality, human rights, and the opportunity for a prosperous future without fear of endless violence and war.
The Gaza ceasefire does not extend to the occupied West Bank and Lebanon. In the past few days, already nine Palestinians have been killed and more than 40 wounded by Israeli military incursions in Jenin. In addition, settlers have rampaged two Palestinian towns, and there are concerns about increased settler violence as more Palestinian prisoners are released in the ceasefire hostage exchanges. Furthermore, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for international support in the enforcement of the Hezbollah/Israel ceasefire, following consistent Israeli violations - demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from South Lebanon as the agreement requires. All violations of ceasefire agreements must end. CMEP calls for accountability from the United States and the international community to protect innocent lives.
President Trump publicly branded himself as an envoy of peace, but his initial actions in office represent a different reality. While proclaiming to be a peacemaker, Trump’s executive orders could embolden violence and deepen the suffering of women, children, and vulnerable communities - not only in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories - but in Israel as well. Policies that perpetuate oppression and destruction cannot be reconciled with the principles of peace and justice.
As people of faith, we must unequivocally reject the weaponization and co-opting of Christianity for political gain. Our faith calls us to be peacemakers, to unite rather than divide, and to care for the most vulnerable. We will not allow our faith to be twisted into a justification for violence or used as a political tool to further division and destruction. To embody our faith, we must stand against policies promoting harm and advocate tirelessly for justice, equality, and peace.
| On Jan. 16th they wrote: After more than 15 months of devastating violence in Gaza and throughout the region, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes with cautious optimism the recent announcement of a hostage and ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. This long-overdue agreement brings a glimmer of hope that might end the suffering that has plagued Gaza for far too long, including the deaths of over 46,000 people and the devastation of famine and lack of humanitarian access. The Palestinian people of Gaza and all impacted by this ongoing violence deserve relief and the chance to rebuild their lives. ### |
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