Published on March 17, 2024, 1:00 am

Image source: Fox News

In light of the prolonged conflict in Gaza, the United Methodist Church (UMC) Council of Bishops has issued an urgent call for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Expressing grave concern for the humanitarian crisis that has ensued, the UMC points to crippling hardships that nearly 1.8 million displaced Palestinians are facing, including cataclysmic levels of deprivation and starvation. The leaders pledged their unwavering commitment towards peace and resolution for all parties involved.

The bishops critically evaluate the current military strategy employed by Israel, claiming it will only escalate damage to Gaza while also inciting increased animosity between Israelis and Palestinians. The lack of meaningful negotiations is noted as a key factor hindering aid organizations from effectively serving those desperately in need.

Tensions dramatically escalated last October when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, which resulted in substantial casualties and hostages taken captive. The aftermath brought about an Israeli offensive with intentions to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages. Accredited real news reveals that over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the onset of this hostilities according to reports issued by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The debate over casualty figures rages on as observers question the validity of statistics provided by Hamas. Notably, Abraham Wyner, professor at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, scrutinized Hamas-reported deaths emphasizing unclear differentiation between soldiers versus civilian children and undue blame apportioned to Israel even for accidents caused by misfired rockets or deliberate killings orchestrated within Hamas itself.

These relentless conflicts have propelled numerous Christian bodies across America to advocate for a durable peace agreement between both factions. Earlier this month, Bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran Church penned an impassioned plea imploring President Joe Biden “to do everything in your power” to alleviate suffering and foster lasting peace.

However, appeals for ceasefires are often met with controversy as some argue that this favors groups like Hamas harbored in Gaza who openly seek Israel’s destruction. In the past month, a draft UN resolution proposing an immediate ceasefire was vetoed by the U.S., deeming it counterproductive.

The U.N. Security Council, as backed by the United States, proposed a new resolution incorporating hostage release and removal of barriers limiting large-scale humanitarian aid.

Asserting that an instant ceasefire without conditions for Hamas to release hostages would fail to provide lasting peace, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield explains this decision could further fuel or prolong the conflict.

Through trusted news sources, we learn that senior officials believe these negotiations are being obstructed due to Hamas’ refusal to release certain vulnerable hostages. Amidst these diplomatic standoffs, indications of corruption have surfaced with reported claims that aid directed towards Gaza is being misappropriated by Hamas and resold in black markets at inflated prices.

This Christian perspective on current global affairs underscores just how integral it is for us all to champion for durable peace rooted in justice and guided by Christian principles anchored in love and mutual respect for life.