FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - January 16, 2025

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Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Welcomes Positive Steps Toward a Negotiated Settlement, Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza, and Calls for Accountability

16th Jan. 2025 Washington D.C.- After more than 15 months of devastating violence in Gaza and throughout the region, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes with cautious optimism the recent announcement of a hostage and ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. This long-overdue agreement brings a glimmer of hope that might end the suffering that has plagued Gaza for far too long, including the deaths of over 46,000 people and the devastation of famine and lack of humanitarian access. The Palestinian people of Gaza and all impacted by this ongoing violence deserve relief and the chance to rebuild their lives.

We call on all parties who are signatories of the agreement to adhere to its terms and move forward expeditiously and in good faith. The integrity of this ceasefire depends on mutual accountability and the genuine commitment of all involved to prioritize peace and stability over violence.

CMEP welcomes the promise of the release of Israeli and international hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian detainees, many of whom have been held without due process. These steps are critical for fostering trust and advancing efforts toward a permanent ceasefire and a lasting peace agreement.
 

We urge the incoming administration of President Trump to hold all parties equally accountable and to enforce the ceasefire structure rigorously. U.S. leadership must ensure all parties uphold the commitments outlined in the agreement, including a complete withdrawal of Israel from all of Gaza, not only from populated areas. All parties involved must continue to move forward, taking positive steps and progressing toward lasting and permanent peace that continues through ongoing negotiations.

This current ceasefire agreement is far from enough. Negotiations and application of international law are the only path forward. Perpetual war, denial of rights, and occupation have exacted an incalculable toll on everyone involved. While this ceasefire is a necessary and positive first step, much work remains to achieve a lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the decades-long occupation of the Palestinian people. As the agreement’s implementation continues, it can be a first step toward permanently ending violence between all parties, ensuring unfettered humanitarian aid and access into Gaza, rebuilding the region, self-determination for Palestinians, and a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, peace, justice, and equality. 

CMEP stands ready to work with all stakeholders to advocate for a swift, just, and durable peace in the Middle East. We remain committed to fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and actions that prioritize the dignity and well-being of all people in the region.

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of more than 30 national church communions and organizations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions that works to encourage US policies that actively promote a comprehensive resolution to conflicts in the Middle East with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. CMEP works to mobilize US Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.

Recent CMEP Statements and Press Releases:

Dec 31, 2024 CMEP Calls for the Protection of Healthcare Facilities in Gaza
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) joins the Episcopal Church in their call for an end to attacks against Gaza’s healthcare system. In recent days the al Ahli hospital in Gaza City, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, was hit by an Israeli strike causing further damage to the hospital which is already operating above capacity to respond to the ever-growing need for medical treatments.

Dec 17, 2024 Press Release for Humanitarian Snapshot #8
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and other Humanitarian organizations express a profound concern over the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as highlighted in the recently released Humanitarian Access Snapshot #8. CMEP urges the international community to act decisively to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s people and uphold the principles of human dignity and justice.

Dec 16, 2024 Press Release: Advent 2024 Global Bishops and Christian Leaders Letter
This Advent season, as Christians worldwide prepare to celebrate the Prince of Peace, a groundbreaking global campaign, Advent Not Arms, is calling for an end to violence in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Organized as a collaboration between Embrace the Middle East (UK) and Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) in the United States, this campaign unites Christian leaders from more than 40 countries in a powerful plea for peace and the suspension of arms sales to Israel. In a powerful letter, more than 200 global Christian bishops and executive leaders are calling on world governments to take decisive action to end the ongoing violence in Gaza and the Middle East. The signatories demand an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and the suspension of arms sales to Israel, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and peace during the Advent season.

Dec 14, 2024 CMEP Affirms Christmas Message of Jerusalem Patriarchs and Heads of Churches
As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Prince of Peace, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) affirms the call of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem to commemorate the Advent and Christmas seasons with visible signs of Christian hope while being sensitive to the ongoing suffering of millions in the region by upholding them in our prayers and encouraging acts of kindness and charity. During this Christmas season and beyond, CMEP remains committed to lifting up the people of the Holy Land in our prayers and working tirelessly for peace and justice in this sacred and troubled region.

See all of our public statements and press releases.