July 26th News Bulletin

Israeli tanks stand near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov

CMEP in the News: More than 200 Christian leaders sign letter calling for cease-fire in Gaza

Religion News Service

“More than 200 Christian leaders from an array of traditions have signed a letter calling for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of hostages taken by Hamas, as well as a list of other measures aimed at providing relief in Gaza.“We speak out as Christian leaders with a deep concern for the common good for all affected by war and conflict without exception,” reads the letter, which was organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches based in Washington."

Read the letter here

Churches for Middle East Peace, of which the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a denomination member, held a rally for peace in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu’s address before Congress. (Contributed photo)

CMEP holds prayer vigil before Israel’s prime minister addresses Congress

Presbyterian News Service

“Amidst the background of a “Ceasefire Now” sign and attendees holding signs with the same message, Christian groups gathered in front of the United Methodist building in Washington D.C., Wednesday morning just hours before Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was scheduled to address Congress. The Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a denomination member, sponsored and organized the prayer vigil, which featured several notable Christian and Muslim leaders, including the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, director of advocacy for the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness.”

The result could have consequences for Israel over its occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza

UN top court says Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal

BBC

“The UN's top court has said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law, in a landmark opinion. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Israel should stop settlement activity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its "illegal" occupation of those areas and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.”

An Evening with Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac

CMEP is co-sponsoring a Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) event.

 Missio Dei Uptown Church invites you to an evening of conversation with Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac. Munther Isaac (PhD, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies) is the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine and director of the Christ at the Checkpoint conference. He is also a pastor of Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. He authored the book From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth: A Christ-Centered Biblical Theology of the Promised Land.
Join in person for a special evening hearing from Dr. Isaac about Christians in the Palestine and about the war in Gaza. You can also watch live on the Missio Dei Facebook page. 

Beyond the Headlines August 26th
Join Churches for Middle East Peace on August 26th for a special webinar focusing on women working at the intersections of journalism and media in Palestine, and the unique role women play in shaping stories coming out of the Middle East. This webinar will pay specific attention to the current crisis in Gaza.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., protests during Netanyahu's speech.Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Netanyahu compares Oct. 7 to Pearl Harbor and criticizes protesters in address to Congress

NBC News

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday delivered an impassioned speech to Congress, taking on protesters inside the House chamber and thousands gathered outside the Capitol, all while emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, center, hosts an event for Mahmoud Al Aloul, left, Vice Chairman of Fatah and Musa Abu Marzuk, senior member of Hamas, to meet in Beijing, Tuesday July 23, 2024 (Pedro Pardo/ Pool Photo Via AP)

Rivals Hamas and Fatah sign a declaration to form a future government as war rages in Gaza

AP News

“Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah agreed in Beijing to form a government together, the groups said Tuesday, in the latest attempt at resolving a longstanding rivalry and offering a potential scenario for the rule of Gaza after the war with Israel."

 Houthi military academy cadets demonstrate in solidarity with the Palestinian people on June 14 in Sana'a, Yemen. Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images

Israel strikes Yemen for the first time following deadly Houthi drone attack. Here’s what we know:

CNN

“For the first time, Israel has struck inside Yemen, following a deadly drone attack launched by Houthi rebels on Tel Aviv. Since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity - they say - with Gaza. After Israel struck back on Saturday, the Houthis said they launched a fresh barrage of missiles towards Israel, promising a response that will be “huge and great.””

CMEP Wednesday Prayers for Peace

Churches for Middle East Peace invites you to pray for peace in light of recent events in Gaza, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. Every Wednesday 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Eastern via Zoom.

CMEP Thursday Briefing
Please join us on Zoom for a weekly briefing on current news regarding the Hamas and Israel War. Hear from CMEP Staff and other experts. Every Thursday 10:00 am - 10:30 am Eastern. 

Solidarity Sunday Prayer Service

On Sunday, July 21st Churches for Middle East Peace held a communal space of worship, lament, and prayer on Zoom. They watched messages shared with us from Christians in the Holy Land and heard reflections on solidarity from Christian leaders here in the U.S. 

Contact Us

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
110 Maryland Ave NE, Suite 505
Washington, District of Columbia 20002
(202) 543-1222  info@cmep.org