December 19, 2025

Background: While the news of a fragile ceasefire was welcome, the world continues to witness a genocide unfold in Gaza. By mid-November, Israel had already broken the ceasefire over 100 times and continues to block humanitarian aid. A new aid distribution system led by the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) is organized and led by U.S. military officials and coordinates with the Israeli military. Organizations like MCC are still encountering severe restrictions in trying to deliver aid to Gaza.   

As the U.S. situates itself to take further control of aid delivery and security in Gaza, it is important to remind policymakers that a just peace is not forged with power and violence but must address the root causes of conflict and seek mutual flourishing for all. 

This is a critical moment to urge the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration to:   

• Direct the CMCC to open all crossings and corridors into Gaza and work with Israel to remove unworkable registration requirements for principled INGOs 
• Ban all weapons transfers and sales from the U.S. to Israel 
• Recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination and support a Palestinian-led vision for the future of Gaza 
• Continue to work for a full and comprehensive ceasefire  

Faith reflection: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Let me find refuge under the shelter of your wings.” (Psalm 61:1, 4b)  

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Photo above: Khayria (full name not used for her security) in March 2025 at the front of her house, which was bombed by the Israeli military. She and her family returned briefly during a ceasefire, but have now fled again, this time headed to a beach along the Mediterranean, taking nothing with them. MCC photo/Mahmoud Meqdad