CMEP Welcomes Halt to Gaza Violence: Calls on President-Elect Obama to Achieve Lasting Peace

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the cessation in Gaza fighting this weekend as a result of separate decisions by Israel and Hamas to adopt a cease-fire. Although temporary, the cease-fire is a much-needed end to the unbearable violence of recent weeks. The massive military operation has taken a terrible toll on Gaza’s population and public infrastructure, while ongoing indiscriminate rocket attacks against towns in southern Israel have made normal life there impossible.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the cessation in Gaza fighting this weekend as a result of separate decisions by Israel and Hamas to adopt a cease-fire.  Although temporary, the cease-fire is a much-needed end to the unbearable violence of recent weeks.  The massive military operation has taken a terrible toll on Gaza’s population and public infrastructure, while ongoing indiscriminate rocket attacks against towns in southern Israel have made normal life there impossible.

The CMEP coalition first called for an immediate and comprehensive cease-fire three weeks ago.  It is tragic that a cease-fire has taken this long and that so many lives have been lost.

We call today on President-elect Barack Obama to fulfill his recent statements to engage in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts “from day one” of his administration.  The Gaza crisis demonstrates the need for strong U.S. leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.  We will do everything possible to encourage and support peacemaking efforts.

Given the fragility of the current cease-fire, the Obama Administration will need to take urgent action, together with international and regional partners, to ensure that violence does not resume and to address pressing unresolved issues.  A sustainable solution must include an end to the blockade, accompanied by measures necessary to ensure Israel’s security.  Steps must also be taken for urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction in Gaza.    

CMEP has consistently stated that a cease-fire, while urgently needed, is not enough.  On this day when we commemorate Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., his spirit brings renewed hope for the long-suffering peoples of the Holy Land.  Ultimately only a comprehensive negotiated resolution of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors, including creation of a Palestinian state, can provide necessary security and a brighter future for both Israelis and Palestinians.  We look forward to working with the Obama Administration toward achievement of this goal.

For previous CMEP statements regarding the Gaza crisis and other background information, please click here.

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, Moravian Church in America, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM).

Churches for Middle East Peace Web: http://www.cmep.org