The Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians sparked a conflict that has resulted in more than 50,000 deaths in Gaza and close to 1,200 in Israel. Fifty-five percent of the victims are believed to be women, children, and the elderly. There has also been massive damage to infrastructure and buildings in Gaza, with the UN predicting it will take decades to rebuild all the homes and buildings that have been lost. Meanwhile, 1.8 million people are in need of emergency shelter.
The Episcopal Church joined people throughout the world in welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which began Jan. 19. Until its collapse on March 1, the ceasefire allowed for the return of many hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid had been allowed to enter Gaza. Starting in March, Israel cut off all humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumed airstrikes and ground operations, which killed over 700 people in the first week. This comes just after the U.S. approved weapon sales to Israel, without ensuring compliance with human rights and further contributing to violence and human rights abuses.
On April 12th, the Anglican hospital, al-Ahli, was bombed for a fifth time since October 7, 2023. Patients were forced to evacuate, and the targeting of medical facilities has been a pattern throughout the conflict.
In 2024, the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council passed a resolution “calling for ‘the speedy distribution of humanitarian aid; the release of all captives; [and] the unimpeded access of fully equipped doctors and medical staff to tend to the sick and injured.’” General Convention also passed a resolution "recognizing the moral and legal obligations of the United States to the people of Gaza” to help them rebuild after a conflict that the U.S. contributed to with military aid and diplomatic support.
We reject calls to displace all Palestinians and forcibly remove them from their homes. We condemn the human rights violations in cutting off humanitarian aid. Lasting peace can only come through peaceful negotiations with both parties.
Now, more than ever, we need a permanent ceasefire where all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released, and Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza, to prevent further death, human suffering, and destruction.
The Episcopal Church continues its commitment to advocate for a just, sustained peace in the Holy Land and for humanitarian aid to be provided for those suffering in Gaza and elsewhere. Join us in urging the 119th Congress to condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza, work toward a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and to commit U.S. resources to rebuilding Gaza for Palestinians.
Additional Resources
Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on bombing of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Resources for the Conflict in the Holy Land
Churches for Middle East Peace
Friends Committee on National Legislation: Israel/Palestine
Foundation for Middle East Peace
Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
Episcopal Church Resolutions
2024 MB013: Resolution on Gaza
2024-A216: The Patriarchs and Heads of Local Churches of the Holy Land
2024-D007: Peace Through Equal Rights in Israel/Palestine
2024-D009: Swords Into Plowshares: U.S. Accountability and Responsibility in Rebuilding Gaza
2022-C039: Urge Congress to Oppose Inequality in Israeli Laws
2018-B021: Call on the US to Restore UN and USAID Funding for Palestinians
2012-B017: Support for Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza