16 March 2018
Methodist Church calls for international pressure to bring an end to Gaza conflict
In light of the escalating conflict in Gaza over the last 24hours, the Methodist Church is calling for international pressureon both Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the violence.
Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Advisor, said; 'Thedevastating death toll resulting from Israeli air strikes hasshocked many. Rather than improving security, this action by Israelcould compound conflict in the region. It is also likely to make itmore difficult to bring regional powers together in a search forsolutions. Both Hamas and Israel must respond to the UN SecurityCouncil call for an immediate end to all military operations.
'We call on the EU, United States and the UN to bring increasedpressure on Israel and on Hamas to refrain from violence. At thistime of year when the focus of Christians around the world is onthe Holy Land we pray for courageous leadership in the cause ofpeace.
'Before the recent outbreaks of violence, Gaza was alreadysuffering a dire humanitarian situation. This has not been helpedby Israel's blockade and restrictions on relief supplies. Now food,fuel and medical supplies are needed urgently.'
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