In response to the violence in Gaza, the Office of Public Witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) is urging U.S. government officials to exercise “bold leadership” in efforts to try to end the bloodshed. The office is asking American Christians to urge government officials to use diplomatic means to try to effectuate an immediate cease-fire. Here is the text of the “Action Alert” the Office of Public Witness has released:
URGE IMMEDIATE EFFORTS TO END GAZA VIOLENCE
As violence escalates in Southern Israel and Gaza, we must urge the US government to spare no effort in securing a cease-fire between Israeli forces and militant groups in Gaza. At least 72 Palestinians, many of them civilians and some children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the latest round of violence began following Israel’s assassination of Hamas’ military commander Ahmed al-Jabari last Wednesday. Over 900 missiles or projectiles have been launched at Israel from Gaza over the past few days, with at least three Israeli civilians killed and many more injured. More deaths are likely if there is an Israeli ground offensive into Gaza.
It is urgent that United States call on all the parties in the current conflict to restrain from using force and, rather, to trust a diplomatic process. We mourn the loss of life on both sides and call now on the United States to exercise bold leadership in an effort to immediately end the violence, restore the cease-fire and lift the blockade of Gaza’s borders.
Even as Americans head into a season of Thanksgiving and preparation for the gift of Christ’s peace – let us pause to remember those in Israel and Gaza who know no peace but instead face only violence and the threat of violence. We pray and act for the day when violence will end and a just peace will dawn in the Middle East and in our world.
The White House needs to hear from concerned American Christians that the U.S. must work with international partners to bring about an immediate cease-fire for the sake of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Without an urgent diplomatic solution, both Palestinians and Israelis will suffer, the risk of a broader confrontation will increase, and hope for a renewed peace process will grow ever dimmer. The Obama administration has an opportunity now to take serious action on behalf of Israeli-Palestinian peace and to safeguard U.S. interests. Congress too must encourage and support American diplomatic leadership.
