October 7, 2024, marked the one-year anniversary of the horrific Hamas attacks on Israel, the ensuing Israeli military assault on Gaza, and the escalation across the Middle East.
The human cost of the conflict has been devastating:
- Over 1,200 Israelis killed and 251 kidnapped. Of the 251 abducted, 154 have been rescued or freed, while 97 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are believed to be dead.
- More than 42,000 Palestinians, including over 16,000 children, have been killed in Gaza.
- Over 1,000 Lebanese have been killed in the escalating conflict.
Understanding the Root Causes
This violence did not start in October 2023.
For decades, the ongoing Israeli occupation and settlement expansion have violated human rights and undermined peace efforts.
As stated in the United Methodist Church’s Book of Resolutions (2016):
“The continuing confiscation of Palestinian land for construction of settlements and the building of a separation wall violates human rights, subverts the peace process, destroys the hope of both Israelis and Palestinians who are working for and longing for peace, and fosters a sense of desperation that can only lead to further violence.”
What the Church Says
Our Social Principles call upon United Methodists to prioritize nonviolent means to address conflict.
The Church has repeatedly advocated for:
- An end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem
- Freedom from violence for all people in the region
- Full respect for the human rights of all under international law
This strong call for peace with justice was reaffirmed earlier this year at General Conference, where the resolution Opposition to Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Land, amongst other pivotal resolutions, was readopted.
Churches Unite for Peace
The Church is proud to stand with Churches for Middle East (CMEP), a coalition of more than 30 national Church communions and organizations in Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions.
The coalition released a statement on October 7 lamenting the loss of life over the last year and reiterating there is no military solution to this conflict.
The General Board of Church and Society partnered with CMEP to hold an open prayer room in the United Methodist building, offering a space for DC-area constituents to spend a moment in prayer and reflection.
General Secretary Bishop Julius Trimble also offered the benediction at CMEP’s Ecumenical Service of Lament on October 7.
Taking Action for Just Peace
As we pray, we must also act for peace.
Despite the devastation, the United States continues to send arms to Israel, recently approving a $20 billion arms sale.
However, we can work to block these sales.
In September, Senators Sanders (VT), Schatz (HI), Merkley (OR), and Welch (VT) introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block the sale of over $20 billion in weapons to Israel, set for a vote after the election.
Take Action Now
Urge your Senators to support these resolutions and oppose further arms sales that could escalate the conflict.
We must take this step and further strengthen our efforts to work for the safety and security of all people in the Middle East.
Originally published by Church and Society. Republished with permission by ResourceUMC.