Moderator calls for lasting peace in Gaza

                                                                                                                                                          Tuesday August 5, 2014

THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has called for "a just and sustained peace in Israel and Palestine."

As the latest cease-fire started, the Rt Rev John Chalmers said: "The Church of Scotland remains committed, through prayer and action, to a just and sustained peace in Israel and Palestine, and continues to uphold all people there in prayer. The Church joins with others in welcoming any genuine cease-fire in Gaza, by Israel or its opposing combatants, and we urge that it continues. Only an end to the Israeli military operation in Gaza and the firing of missiles into Israel from Gaza will lead to conditions from which a just resolution may come."

He emphasised this was only the first step "towards tackling the humanitarian disaster for the people of Gaza."

The Moderator, who visited the Holy Land in 2012, renewed a call for the end of Israel's blockage of Gaza and for sustained peace negotiations involving the international community. The Church of Scotland has many long-term links with churches and aid agencies in the region.

"These negotiations should seek a secure country for Israelis and a viable homeland for the Palestinian people," he said.

He added: "Gaza is smaller than the island of Arran, yet its population is larger than that of Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. On one interpretation it is the world’s largest prison camp. There is no place for people to hide."

Read the Moderator's full statement and details of how you can help here.

Post Tags: gaza

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