In spite of the Israeli
government’s claim that home demolitions will be slowed, a new policy of
“self-demolitions” has gone into effect. Palestinian residents of the Old City
of Jerusalem are being forced to destroy parts of their own homes against their
will in order to avoid costly fines and prison. This will have traumatic
implications emotionally, financially, and on the stability of these families. May God hear the cries of these families and
bring about a swift end to this unjust and illegal policy.
A final round of negotiations
between Fatah and Hamas is under way in Cairo
this week. It seems increasingly likely that the call for unity of the
Palestinian people is being heard and that an agreement will be reached between
the opposing sides. We praise God for this hopeful development and pray that
this spirit of unity and progress will continue to move Palestine closer to a just peace.
This week, another Free Gaza boat,
“The Spirit of Humanity,” sailed from Cyprus
to Gaza with medical supplies, reconstruction
materials, and a crew that included Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S.
congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. On Tuesday, Israeli ships threatened to open
fire on the boat if it did not return to Cyprus. We pray for the safety of
the crew, hope that the next attempt to reach Gaza will be successful. We beseech God for an end to the siege on Gaza.
Later this month, Sabeel will
host its 4th International Young Adult Conference. Nearly 40 young
adults from Palestine
and around the world will join together in learning about the theme
“Palestinian Christians and the Challenges of Today.” We pray that in their
two-week trip, the participants will develop strong friendships, have their
eyes opened to injustice, and be inspired to advocate and work for justice and
peace in this land.
This week we
join with the World Council of Churches in praying for: Bolivia, Chile,
Peru
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