Christians on the Left Statement on The Middle East conflict
The murder, rape, kidnap, torture and mutilation of people in Israel, Jews and others, by Hamas on 7th October was an act of horror and evil. It represented the largest killing of Jews since the Holocaust and its traumatic impact on a nation and people should not be underestimated.
Israel has the right to seek justice and act to protect itself. Its leaders have a responsibility to their people to take measures to, as far as is proportional and consistent with international law, prevent a repeat and to stop Hamas and others succeeding in their declared aims to deny Israel the right of existence.
The actions of Hamas have equally demonstrated no concern for its fellow Palestinian civilians, who it has placed in mortal danger. At a time when hope seems scarce, the fear is that a new spiral of death and destruction has been started in the Middle East, spreading from Gaza to the West Bank and beyond.
At the same time, the rising number of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza, the injuries and suffering of many others, and the lack of access to basic human necessities such as water, food, and fuel for essential needs, represents a clear humanitarian catastrophe, as the Church of England bishops have acknowledged. Debates about humanitarian pauses or ceasefires must not lose sight of the fundamental urgent need to protect civilians, end the suffering, supply food and water, and ensure medical care is provided for the injured, together with along with securing the release of all those held hostage. Civilians must be protected and never regarded as pawns as part of some wider strategic aim. Israel – and Hamas – have a responsibility to comply with international humanitarian law.
It is shocking to see the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia alongside this. Events in the Middle East have had real and dangerous consequences for our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, both here in the UK and worldwide. Abuse of and discrimination against Jews or Muslims must not be tolerated. Those who engage in such behaviour do not represent the heritage and values of which this country is proud.
As Christians on the Left, we draw on our faith and a long tradition of Christian Socialism, with its concern for peace and social justice. We acknowledge that it is difficult to gain a full understanding of what is happening as events unfold. We do believe that peacemaking is essential but requires hard work and wise leadership. The goal must always be lasting peace. Where the task is avoided, conflict grows. Peacemakers, across divides, are creators of new and better worlds that do not yet exist and which many cannot yet see. There has been too little peacemaking in recent times. We pray that will change and we pray for leaders who will make it happen.
Christians on the Left Officers, November 2023
