In this Advent season when we anticipate the coming of the Prince of peace, we lament the on-going violence, death, deprivation, and human suffering in the land of His birth.

The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on the 7th October shocked the world and brought immeasurable suffering to families and communities as 1,200 people were cruelly murdered.

Israel’s military response has killed many thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, including over 7,000 children and many more have been injured. Approaching 2 million people have been forced from their homes and are living in overcrowded schools, UN compounds or on the streets. More than 46,000 homes have been destroyed along with infrastructure such as hospitals, water and sewage services. Winter is setting in, and disease is spreading rapidly. People are being denied the necessities of life such as water, food, and access to health care.  

Settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have also increased in intensity since the October attack; this has resulted in deaths and forced removal from family homes and land.

The nature and scale of death and destruction witnessed across the region is horrific and inconsistent with the obligations of international humanitarian law designed to protect civilians in war.

The recent truce gave a glimmer of hope as aid was allowed into Gaza, hostage families were reunited, and civilians had a few days respite from bombardment.

We have learned through our painful past that diplomacy, negotiation and compromise is the only means to end conflict and nurture peace. Intensified diplomatic effort is required to secure the release of all remaining hostages, protect civilians and provide full humanitarian access to Gaza.

A ceasefire is necessary to commence talks towards a sustainable and just peace so that all people in Israel and Palestine regardless of religion or ethnicity are treated with respect and dignity. International intervention is required to facilitate this.

To this end we make the following calls:

• the UK and Irish governments to use all their influence to bring an end to the ongoing loss of life, injury and destruction, and that a fair and equitable solution is negotiated for all the people of the region.

• an immediate, sustainable ceasefire by all parties.

• immediate release of all hostages.

• unhindered humanitarian access for UN and other humanitarian agencies.

• protection for families under attack in the West Bank.

As we give thanks for Emmanuel, God with us in this advent season, we also call the people of the Methodist Church in Ireland to renewed fervour in prayer for the people in the land of our Saviour’s birth. As so many in the Holy Land and other centres of conflict around our world journey through the trauma of violence, fear, loss and hopelessness, let us continue to be ‘constant in prayer’ seeking for a miracle of peace.

David Turtle
President

Tom Wilson
Lay Leader

Heather Morris
General Secretary 

ENDS