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Israeli strike on Gaza Strip
July 18, 2014
Most of you share in our sense of revulsion and horror at Israel's manipulation and propaganda disingenuously justifying its vicious assault on Gaza as "defence,". This criticism is also subtly reflected in the statement of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land on the crisis. They observed that "Israel and Palestine are echoing with the cry of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, loved ones of the young people who have fallen victim to the latest round in the cycle of violence that plagues this land. Some of their faces are well known because the media have covered in detail their lives, interviewing their parents, bringing them alive in our imaginations, whereas others – by far more numerous – are mere statistics, nameless and faceless. The selective coverage, mourning and memory are themselves part of the cycle of violence." They expose the the moral bankruptcy behind their violence. These acts of cruelty by the State of Israel may be War Crimes under articles 146 and 147 of the IV Geneva Convention, and a manifestation of evil.
We endorse Kairos Canada's statement "Current Violence and Military Action in Israel and Palestine". We believe that the violence can only be confronted and defeated acts of non-violence, in love. “Breaking out of the cycle of violence is the duty of all, oppressors and oppressed, victims and victimizers. In order to commit themselves to this aim, all must recognize in the other a brother or sister to be loved and cherished rather than an enemy to be hated and eliminated.” (ref: statement of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries)
We thus ask all people of good faith at this time to remind all governments of the futility of force as a means to peace, and to pray and act immediately for an end to Israel's onslaught in Gaza, ultimately toward a just peace with reconciliation for all in Palestine and Israel.
Contribute to bringing medical relief to Gaza
One of our Gaza partners, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, has issued the appeal below noting the damage from the bombings to its hospital as well as the shortages. You may participate in a meaningful way in an act of solidarity and non violent resistance by making a tax deductible contribution to us, earmarked "Gaza Medical Relief", in the face if the violence and destruction.
Petition
Gazans feel abandoned by the international community. With the current attack on Gaza, as well as living under Israeli siege and occupation, Gazans need our solidarity for their very survival, now more than ever.
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East Diocese of Jerusalem
We endorse Kairos Canada's statement "Current Violence and Military Action in Israel and Palestine". We believe that the violence can only be confronted and defeated acts of non-violence, in love. “Breaking out of the cycle of violence is the duty of all, oppressors and oppressed, victims and victimizers. In order to commit themselves to this aim, all must recognize in the other a brother or sister to be loved and cherished rather than an enemy to be hated and eliminated.” (ref: statement of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries)
We thus ask all people of good faith at this time to remind all governments of the futility of force as a means to peace, and to pray and act immediately for an end to Israel's onslaught in Gaza, ultimately toward a just peace with reconciliation for all in Palestine and Israel.
Contribute to bringing medical relief to Gaza
One of our Gaza partners, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, has issued the appeal below noting the damage from the bombings to its hospital as well as the shortages. You may participate in a meaningful way in an act of solidarity and non violent resistance by making a tax deductible contribution to us, earmarked "Gaza Medical Relief", in the face if the violence and destruction.
Petition
Gazans feel abandoned by the international community. With the current attack on Gaza, as well as living under Israeli siege and occupation, Gazans need our solidarity for their very survival, now more than ever.
Gazans need to hear of your support.
Add your name to this petition and include a personal message of solidarity.
Our commitment to you is that we will transmit your messages to our Gaza partners.
Gaza – We stand with you.
SIGN THE PETITION AND SEND YOUR MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY
------------------------------
Add your name to this petition and include a personal message of solidarity.
Our commitment to you is that we will transmit your messages to our Gaza partners.
Gaza – We stand with you.
SIGN THE PETITION AND SEND YOUR MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY
------------------------------
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East Diocese of Jerusalem
14/07/2014
Appeal for Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Background
During the past week, the Israeli military has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Gaza. In the last 36 hours, the IDF has dropped 500 tons of explosives on an area that is the most densely populated in the world, and home to 1.7 million Palestinians. Half of the population is comprised of children. According to the latest OCHA report, published on July 14, more than 1,140 Palestinians have been wounded, including 296 children and 233 women; 168 were killed, of these 133 were civilians, and 36 were children; more than 940 residential houses have been fully destroyed, leaving 5,600 people displaced; 25,000 children have been traumatized and in need of psychosocial support.
As the Israeli authorities have called up 40,000 reserve troops, there are fears the conflict will escalate and many more Palestinians will be killed, wounded, or displaced.
Situation at Al-Ahli Hospital
In the last two days, the impact of the airstrikes has caused structural damages to the hospital, including its ventilation system in the operating theatre and the emergency room. In addition, windows have been broken in many buildings, as well as in the new diagnostic center.
Currently, and since the beginning of the crisis, Al-Ahli staff have maintained around-the-clock presence at the hospital, receiving wounded people and providing them with the critical medical care that they need.
Like the other hospitals in Gaza, Al-Ahli hospital is experiencing shortages in medicine, fuel for electrical generators, food for patients, and food parcels for many in the community seeking this help.
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