Global call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel
20 October 2023.
The Global Kairos for Justice European Network calls on all Churches in Europe to join the global call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel, led by over 370 humanitarian, development and human rights organisations. Here is the call to action:
“We have witnessed unfathomable death and destruction in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Thousands of people have been killed, injured, displaced, and nearly two hundred remain held hostage, including children and elderly.
In Gaza, the UN has said that water, food, fuel, medical supplies, and even body bags, are running out due to the siege. The UN warned that people – particularly young children – will soon start dying of severe dehydration. Neighbourhoods have been destroyed and turned into complete rubble. Palestinians in search of safety have nowhere to go. Many of those who relocated from northern Gaza to the south after the relocation order by the Israeli army were reportedly bombed as they attempted to flee or once they arrived in southern Gaza.
The events of the last week have led us to the precipice of a humanitarian catastrophe and the world can no longer wait to act. It is our collective responsibility.
On Sunday, October 15th, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to the Occupied Palestinian Territory appealed to all parties to the conflict, and to Member States with influence, to urgently agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.
Today, we put our voices together and call on all Heads of State, the UN Security Council, and actors on the ground, to prioritize the preservation of human life above all else. During this ceasefire, we call on all parties to unconditionally:
- Facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the resumption of electricity and internet to Gaza, in addition to safe passage of humanitarian and medical staff.
- Free all civilian hostages, especially children and elderly.
- Allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals, and health facilities in northern Gaza and commit to protecting them along with the civilians and staff inside them at all times.
- Rescind orders by the Government of Israel for civilians to depart northern Gaza.
- Allow patients in critical condition to be medically evacuated for urgent care.
The UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General and all world leaders with influence must take immediate action to ensure a ceasefire comes into effect. It remains our only option to avert further loss of civilian life and humanitarian catastrophe. Anything less will forever be a stain on our collective conscience.
Civilians are not bargaining chips. Families need a chance to bury and mourn their dead. The cycle of violence against innocent civilians needs to stop.”
Our request to the Churches in Europe:
We call on Churches in Europe to join this call and use their influence with their governments to demand an immediate ceasefire. Churches can sign the petition here: https://forms.gle/Ur8k1T6miXrhMCm98
We also ask Churches to spread the word to their congregations, so that individuals can also add their names to the ceasefire call. Petition · #CeasefireNow: Open Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel · Change.org
Today our brothers and sisters in Palestine issued the following statement: A Call for Repentance: An Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders and Theologians. We call on Churches to read and engage with the statement, and support in any way they can the Palestinian Christian community both in Gaza and the West Bank.
Prayer:
We ask Churches to dedicate time this Sunday, 22nd October, and in the following weeks, to include in their services a prayer for all those suffering in Palestine and Israel. The prayer below from Christian Aid is one of many examples globally that can be used.
God, hear our prayers for peace in the Middle East.
May all people in the region be protected, safe from harm.
We pray that this crisis will end now, with no further loss of life.
God, may the injured and distressed know your healing presence.
May the powerful and the decision-makers follow the paths of justice, mercy and peace.
We pray for recognition of the dignity and value of every life.
May the clamour of violence cease,
Replaced by the beating of swords into ploughshares.
God, in your name,
Amen.