FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. - March 27, 2019

Media Contact:
Katie McRoberts
katie@cmep.org
202-543-1222

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns the firing of a missile by Hamas at Israeli civilians March 25, wounding seven people. CMEP is deeply concerned by the continued violence, including retaliatory bombings by the IDF. We call on an immediate cessation of violence and for both sides to commit to a ceasefire.

CMEP's executive director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon states, "CMEP is deeply grieved by the injuries sustained in this recent missile attack and condemns violence as a means of ending the ongoing blockade of the Gaza strip and the occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank. We also are concerned for the well being of the people of Gaza and call on Israel to refrain from further retaliatory bombings that will be sure to impact innocent civilians in Gaza."

During this time of uncertainty, and as Israel prepares for its election in just two weeks, CMEP calls on all parties to refrain from violence, unilateral actions, and incitement. Escalation of violence, during an already tense time, will only further exacerbate an already untenable situation.

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 28 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.