CMEP Welcomes News of a Ceasefire Between Hezbollah and Israel
Washington, DC, 27th November, 2024 – Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the news of a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel. We commend the cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the ceasefire. It is essential that this moment of respite leads to a sustained peace for all of the people of the region.
We emphasize the urgent need for all parties to refrain from hostilities impacting civilians, particularly as families begin to return to their homes in both South Lebanon and Northern Israel. The safety and dignity of these individuals must remain a top priority.
As we celebrate this ceasefire, we are deeply mindful of the dire situation in Gaza. The desperate need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire there cannot be overstated. Thousands of Palestinian civilians are suffering unimaginable hardship, and only a ceasefire can halt the escalating humanitarian catastrophe. Furthermore, a ceasefire remains the most viable path to securing the safe return of hostages held in Gaza, and addressing the root causes of the ongoing violence.
A ceasefire in Gaza, however, will not happen without decisive action from the United States. CMEP calls for all warring parties to cease their violence. In addition, CMEP calls on the U.S. government to pressure Israel to abide by international law, including by withholding weapons shipments that are used in violation of these laws. President Biden’s repeated affirmations of Palestinians’ rights to live in peace, security, and dignity alongside Israelis ring hollow when the United States continues to veto ceasefire proposals in the UN Security Council and send the very weapons that are in turn used to destroy civilian infrastructure and kill Palestinians. Additionally, the U.S. was one of only six countries that recently voted against a UN resolution affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. These actions undermine the credibility of U.S. leadership and its stated commitment to peace and justice. President Biden should use every tool at his disposal during the final months of his term to finalize a durable ceasefire in Gaza. CMEP continues to pray and advocate for peace and justice throughout the Middle East. We urge all government leaders to work tirelessly to ensure that ceasefires lead to lasting solutions that uphold human dignity and protect all lives.