Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to US and Qatari mediators. The first six-week phase is set to take effect on 19 January.
The agreement follows 15 months of devastating violence. Israel has attempted to root out Hamas fighters and secure the safety of its citizens. It has conducted a relentless bombing campaign in Gaza destroying homes, schools, hospitals, mosques and churches. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in what Amnesty International describes as a genocide, though this has yet to be confirmed under international law. International arrest warrants have been issued for leaders in Israel and for Hamas.
The United Reformed Church has been calling for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire for well over a year, and joins with the Methodists and Baptist churches in the UK welcoming the news of the ceasefire deal.
The following joint ecumenical statement was signed on behalf of the United Reformed Church by the Revd Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission):
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 Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission), the United Reformed Church
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
Join us in a prayer, from our Methodist friends, giving thanks for the ceasefire announcement:
God of Love,
We are thankful for the work that has been done to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and pray that it may be implemented and lead to a lasting peace in the region.
With grateful hearts we celebrate the promised release of all those held against their will and pray for their recovery and recuperation as they are reunited with family and friends.
We pray that we never see such death and destruction in this region again.
May justice reign, justice that establishes peace, promotes hope, frees people from fear, encourages neighbours to love another and brings an end to the seemingly endless cycle of injustice, violence and death in the region.
This we ask in the power of your spirit, Amen
Image: Kevin Snyman.