The Baptist Union of Great Britain
The Methodist Church
The United Reformed Church
 

Statement on the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

The commencement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will come as an enormous relief for all living in Gaza and for those waiting for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The UN reports that 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children and, even in the last few days, schools and hospitals sheltering those displaced have been bombed. Our churches deeply mourn the loss of life. Each person lost is uniquely and equally precious in the eyes of God.
 
We long for a halt to the violence in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire announced today is only a first phase lasting six weeks. As church leaders we call for the ceasefire to be permanent and unconditional so that humanitarian aid can be rolled out unimpeded in Gaza. The UN agency, UNRWA, has unparalleled capacity to deliver desperately needed support. Israel’s ban of UNRWA jeopardises vital life-saving assistance. We ask the UK government to make clear that the restriction of humanitarian aid in this way would have consequences for bilateral relations.
 
We urge the UK government to uphold standards of International Humanitarian Law. Our government and the international community must fully support the International Criminal Court in its investigations regarding grave breaches of international law.
 
While a ceasefire is being negotiated in Gaza, there are escalations elsewhere in Palestine, as evidenced by the Israeli drone attack this week on the refugee camp in Jenin, killing at least six people. This takes place against the backdrop of a continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the destruction of the homes and property of Palestinians. Our churches will continue to pray for a redoubling of efforts to bring an end to Israel’s occupation in order that all Israelis and Palestinians might live in peace, harmony, and friendship.
 
We pray for a just, equitable, and lasting peace in the region that goes beyond simply the absence of violence.  Our churches will continue to work closely with Israeli and Palestinian partners, agonising with them in their current sufferings yet confident that God’s grace and deliverance offers hope for the future for all.
 
Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary, the Baptist Union of Great Britain
 
Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain
 
Carolyn Godfrey, Vice-President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain
 
Revd Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission), the United Reformed Church
 

Join in prayer

God of peace,

We thank you for the wonderful news of the ceasefire agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas, but we know this is just a first step on the path to true peace and justice.

We pray for the families that will be reunited with loved ones. Envelop them with your love and care as they embark on the long journey of healing.

We pray for all whose loved ones have been killed. May they sense your presence and comfort in their grief, and may you draw others alongside them in their suffering.

We pray for those who have been injured, or lost homes and livelihoods, living each day in helplessness and fear. Bring them hope, open up the pathways to aid, and guide leaders in the region to wise decisions that will help rebuild Gaza.

Finally Lord, we pray for justice and peace. We pray for accountability for those who are responsible for unimaginable atrocities. We pray for an end to all practices that are self-seeking, dehumanize the other and cause great suffering. We pray for a day where those who were once enemies can look on each other as neighbours and friends.

Lord, hold us to account, keep us mindful and prayerful for all those who suffer in our neighbourhood and across the world. Give us courage to speak and act for truth and justice – all the while pointing to you, the source of all love, grace, forgiveness and hope.

Amen