The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns is deeply concerned for those affected by the violence in Israel/Palestine. We echo the words of Pope Francis who said, “I am following with apprehension and pain what is happening in Israel, where violence has exploded even more ferociously, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries.”
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns denounces Hamas’ deadly attacks against Israelis and mourns the loss of all life. We call for Hamas to release all hostages and to cease all violent attacks on Israeli civilians. We also abhor the extensive retaliatory violence carried out by the Israeli military against the people of Gaza. The government of Israel’s decision to shut off power, water, and fuel to the people of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and international law designates such actions as illegal and unconscionable.
We call for an immediate end to all violence and for restraint from all parties. A protracted Israeli military offensive, including a possible ground invasion, could result in considerably more deaths and a broader regional war. Half of the 2.2 million people of Gaza are children, who will suffer disproportionately. Israeli Prime Minister Netanayhu’s call for residents of Gaza “to leave” is unrealistic given that all border crossings in and out of Gaza are closed, and leaving is not an option for the more than two million people living there. We call on the international community and the United States to stop supporting further militarization and pursue every alternative means to protect all Israeli and Palestinian people.
Take Action Now
We are working closely with Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, to raise our voices calling for peace for all people in Israel/Palestine. We invite you to join us in telling the U.S. Congress and President Biden to support a de-escalation of violence and restraint by all parties in the conflict.
Click here to write to your members of Congress and President Biden.
Call the White House
Tell Pres. Biden our three requests listed above. The number for the White House comment line is 202-456-1111 and the hours of operation are 11am to 3pm ET, Tuesday - Thursday.
Pray for Peace
Join Churches for Middle East Peace online to pray for peace in Israel/Palestine every Wednesday from 12:30pm-1:00pm ET. Register here.
Get Updates
Attend a 30-minute weekly briefing about the conflict by Churches for Middle East every Thursday, 10:00am-10:30am ET. Register here.
May we all be instruments of peace! Thank you.
Photo of girl sitting on rubble in Gaza from August 2022 courtesy of Unsplash