United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Statement on the Current Violence in Israel,
Gaza and Lebanon

July 17, 2006

We are deeply troubled by the recent increase of violence in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon. This dangerous escalation of hostilities greatly impedes diplomatic efforts to work for peace in the region. The latest outbreak of fighting in the land we know as holy is against the will of God. We call for an end to Palestinian and Hezbollah attacks against Israel and for the release of Israeli soldiers. We call for an end to Israeli military incursions and bombings against Gaza and Lebanon and for the release of political prisoners held by Israel.

All outside states and forces must halt sending arms and military supplies to groups and states involved in the conflict. The Israeli military response to the capture of its soldiers has been grossly disproportionate, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians – including children – in Gaza and Lebanon. The attack on the power plant and infrastructure in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis there as access to water, food, and medical care has been severely restricted.

We join with the Rev. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, in his call to the international community “to take bold and novel actions to uphold international law and break the vicious cycle of violence” in the region. This is a cycle of violence – it is impossible at this point in time to declare that one side or another has started it.

Fin Finally, we encourage people of faith throughout God’s world to be in constant prayer for the Holy Land and for the implementation of serious and effective plans for peaceful resolution of the region’s crises. We support a safe and secure Israel, which will only be possible with a safe, secure, viable and contiguous Palestinian state. We recognize that the United States government has significant power to influence the course of events and we urge it to use this power on behalf of all people for a just, lasting, and durable peace in the region. Our prayer is that Ezekiel’s vision of peace will prevail, where all of us “shall no more be a prey to the nations … and none shall make them afraid” (34:28 NRSV).