Join Quakers in urging ceasefire in Gaza

We are heartbroken by the ongoing violence in Israel, Gaza, and across the Middle East. As Quakers, we deeply mourn the loss of all lives and pray for those who have lost loved ones in this war. We condemn Hamas’ brutal attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and call for the release of all hostages. We equally condemn the Israeli government response that has claimed the lives of over 40,000 civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

Since the escalation began, the Israeli government has restricted food and humanitarian assistance to the Gaza strip, resulting in growing famine across the region. More than a million people have been internally displaced due to the fighting. Designated “safe zones” throughout the strip are repeatedly bombed by Israeli warplanes. As the bombardment and blockade persist, human suffering spirals.

War and weapons won’t bring peace. In the face of growing violence, we urge lawmakers to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, ban the transfer of more lethal weapons and military assistance to Israel, and demand that the Israeli government permit humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and Lebanon. Likewise, we ask our fellow citizens to join us in this effort.

Jim Cottingham

On behalf of West Branch Friends Meeting