Tensions between Hamas and Fatah
erupted once again in a deadly shootout in Qalqilya on Sunday. We pray that
Palestinians can work through their internal divisions so that families already
living under Israeli occupation need not fear yet another source of hardship
and violence.
A UN inquiry team, led by Richard
Goldstone (who headed UN tribunals in Yugoslavia and Rwanda), has arrived in
Gaza to investigate Israeli war crimes committed in Israel’s three-week assault
in December and January. Although Israel
is refusing to cooperate with the investigation, we pray that the team’s
findings will open the world’s eyes and set into motion events that will end
the siege on Gaza.
This week marks the start of the
World Council of Churches’ “World Week for Peace in Palestine
Israel.”
Worldwide, Christians will be praying, acting, and educating about the
realities of living in “The Holy Land.” The Jerusalem Christian community will
participate in an ecumenical peace service at St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Sunday
that will be shared around the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our cry for
peace.
Last Friday, an ecumenical group
of Sabeel young adults joined the community
in Jifna (north of Ramallah) to repair and clean Christian cemeteries that were
defaced by vandals. We are thankful that even destruction of holy spaces can
result in stronger relationships between disparate Palestinian communities,
denominations and individuals.
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