Public Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2025

925-766-9050

CMEP Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Israeli Military Operations in the West Bank

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is deeply alarmed by the ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank, including the recent large-scale offensive, the most extensive since the Second Intifada. According to the United Nations, these operations have displaced over 40,000 Palestinians. Additionally, the destruction of 11 buildings in Masafer Yatta is part of a continued effort to forcibly remove Palestinian communities from their land, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

CMEP reiterates that the crisis in the West Bank cannot be overshadowed by the devastation in Gaza. Continued military operations and the systematic confiscation of Palestinian land not only violate international law but also perpetuate a cycle of violence that will not bring peace to either Palestinians or Israelis.

The international community, and the United States in particular, must take urgent action to halt the forced displacement of Palestinians and the ongoing annexation of Palestinian land. These actions directly undermine the prospect of any viable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Furthermore, the major security framework and basis for initial peace between Israel and its neighbors that the United States helped broker—especially with Jordan and Egypt—are being undermined by the continued annexation of Palestinian land. Lasting peace can only be achieved through an end to the occupation and security and self determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

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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:

Feb 6, 2025: CMEP Condemns President Trump’s Call for the Forced Displacement of Palestinians from Gaza
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) vehemently opposes President Donald Trump’s recent comments advocating for the forced removal of the Palestinian population from Gaza. This is an open call for ethnic cleansing and a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law, as well as a fundamental affront to the sanctity of human life. Additionally, such language further undermines the current ceasefire, which the Trump Administration worked hard to secure and is directly responsible for ensuring all parties continue to adhere to its tenants through the completion of phase three of the deal.

Jan 28, 2025 Humanitarian Snapshot #9
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), along with dozens of international humanitarian organizations, urgently calls upon the international community to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This comes as findings reveal the failure to implement critical provisional measures outlined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a year ago, resulting in unprecedented suffering among Palestinians.

Jan 23, 2025 Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Calls for Deescalation, Demilitarization, and Support of Permanent Ceasefire and Lasting Peace between Israel and Hamas and in the broader Middle East.
The inauguration of President Trump marked the beginning of his administration, with promises of peace and unity in his inaugural speech. However, his initial actions, such as lifting sanctions on Israeli settlers and reintroducing heavy weaponry to conflict zones, contradict these commitments, prioritizing militarization over diplomacy. CMEP urges the Trump Administration to uphold the Gaza ceasefire, promote justice, and address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through non-violent means. CMEP also highlights ongoing violence in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon, calling for accountability and the protection of innocent lives amid escalating tensions and violations of ceasefire agreements.

Jan 16, 2025 Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Welcomes Positive Steps Toward a Negotiated Settlement, Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza, and Calls for Accountability
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.

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.

See all of our public statements and press releases.