An Appeal on Gaza
President George W. Bush of the United States
has the opportunity to heighten the moral standing of his
administration by using his remaining days in office to bring about an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza,
a ceasefire that will effectively permit humanitarian relief to the
civilians whose lives have been disrupted by the Israeli invasion of
the Palestinian enclave. Military strikes are currently destroying
homes, schools, and places of worship in one of the most densely
populated places in the world.
Both an immediate ceasefire and full and unimpeded humanitarian
access are desperately needed in response to this latest outbreak of
military action. As bombs continue to explode and Israeli tanks roll
across Gaza,
diplomatic assessments of blame and stubborn adherence to failed
policies are unacceptable. Decisive action is required to stop the
carnage and to provide for Palestinians who for years have been virtual
prisoners in Gaza, hemmed in by closed military borders on all sides.
The dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are compounded by
years of political stalemate, periodic outbreaks of violence, and
recently, 18 months of an Israeli economic blockade of the whole of Gaza,
which has a population of 1.5 million Palestinians. A ceasefire that
was agreed to in late June dramatically reduced armed attacks for
months, yet humanitarian restrictions were not lifted.
The Bush administration still has time to take decisive action to persuade Israel to pull back from its massive military initiative, and to provide an opportunity for the people of Gaza
to receive much-needed fuel, flour for bread, and medical supplies and
spare parts for hospitals. The time is now for the Administration to
join with other leaders in the international community in calling for
an immediate, unconditional ceasefire by all.
The United Methodist Church
has a long heritage of support for international law and equal rights
as the basis for just and lasting peace for both Israelis and
Palestinians. The church has also gone on record numerous times in
support of the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from occupied
Palestinian lands.
The General Board of Global Ministries joins with Christians, Jews,
and Muslims in prayers for peace for the families and individuals
affected by the current violence. We commend Global Ministries'
missionary staff in Israel-Palestine for their steadfastness in serving
persons in need, and in representing the Methodist commitment to peace
in the Holy Land.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a part of the
board, will be working with partners to bring relief to the civilian
population in Gaza.
Bishop Bruce Ough
President
General Board of Global Ministries
Edward W. Paup
General Secretary
General Board of Global Ministries
January 7, 2009 |