December 29, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President, 

During your presidency, we have often written to you, both recognizing the important steps you have taken to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and asking you to do more to achieve peace.  As representatives of twenty-two U.S. national churches and church organizations we write today with an unprecedented sense of urgency and foreboding because of the current Gaza violence.   

As people of faith, we care deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians and deplore the violent deaths of those caught in this conflict. We reject all justifications for the unconscionable Palestinian rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza into Israel.  We similarly reject the Israeli response as disproportionate and believe that it is likely to strengthen extremists and undermine moderates in the region. While we appreciate Secretary Rice’s statement of December 27 calling for an immediate cease-fire, there must now be prompt action by your Administration to help bring about an end to the violence.

It is not enough for the United States to urge “Israel to avoid civilian targets,” particularly in light of Israel’s stated intention to continue, expand, and intensify its current offensive.  If this spiraling violence continues, both Palestinians and Israelis will suffer and the risk of a broader confrontation will increase.  There can be no military solution to this conflict.  Only a political solution will bring a durable peace to both Palestinians and Israelis. 

In addition to the escalating hostilities, the continued closure of Gaza with the cutoff or delay of vital food, fuel, electricity and adequate access to medical attention for the residents of Gaza must be addressed quickly and responsibly.  We are confident that U.S. engagement, together with international partners including Egypt, can help restore the cease-fire, end the border blockade, and establish real security at Gaza’s borders. 

We recognize that while the immediate renewal of a ceasefire in Gaza and southern Israel is essential, in the long-term only the realization of a just and lasting two-state solution can provide a secure and prosperous future for all the people of the Holy Land. That is the vision of peace you began with the Road Map and continued at Annapolis over a year ago to which we continue to be committed.

Our prayers are with you as well as with all those Palestinians and Israelis who are suffering, living in fear or have lost loved ones in this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Warren Clark                                                                  Maureen Shea

Executive Director                                                           Chair, Executive Committee

Churches for Middle East Peace                                      Churches for Middle East Peace