Scores of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders in 20 countries have urged the Trump administration to bolster the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire and ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid flows to civilians still suffering from two years of war.
Churches for Middle East Peace sent U.S. President Donald Trump a letter Nov. 3 demanding both side of the conflict be held accountable for injustices committed after Hamas invaded Israel in October 2023.
“For too long, violence, oppression and displacement have brought immeasurable suffering to the peoples of this region,” according to the document signed by Alliance of Baptists co-Director Elijah Zehyoue, Sojourners founder Jim Wallis and nearly 130 bishops, pastors, rabbis, imams and other religious leaders from around the world.
Elijah Zehyoue
“There must be investigations and accountability toward all militant and violent actors, including Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces, to be held accountable for violations of international law and the violations of fundamental human rights, including, but not limited to, atrocities and killings of civilians and non-combatants, journalists, health care workers, and others,” the letter says.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect Oct. 10, followed immediately by the release of 20 remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas and Israel’s release of close to 2,000 prisoners. The truce has been shaky since then, however, with Israel conducting airstrikes in Gaza and blocking aid shipments into the area after accusing Hamas of firing on Israeli troops.
Churches for Middle East Peace noted the letter to Trump was crafted before the formal cessation of hostilities but found it necessary to send due to recurring violations of the deal.
“The ceasefire is a welcome step. As the letter indicates, we celebrate the return of hostages and detainees but insist there is still a need for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and for the conditions that will lead to a just and lasting peace,” the letter says. “World leaders must now redouble their efforts to ensure the terms of the deal are not violated and a permanent peace is realized.”
Faith leaders also pressed the administration to consider the catastrophic consequences of Israel’s retaliatory incursion into Gaza just days after the Hamas attacks.
“We have witnessed an unfathomable human-made humanitarian catastrophe brought on by Israel’s military campaign.”
“Over the past two years in Gaza, we have witnessed an unfathomable human-made humanitarian catastrophe brought on by Israel’s military campaign” resulting in “tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of entire communities and the ongoing denial of fundamental human rights, including the right to food, water, health care, housing and education.”
According to the International Rescue Commission, aid entering into Gaza is falling short of critical needs due to restrictions Israel continues to impose on the region.
“Safe passage for humanitarian staff and goods must be guaranteed, all border crossings opened, large-scale humanitarian aid delivered, sustained funding secured and a lasting peace established to truly alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and initiate the reconstruction of Gaza,” IRC said.
Global faith leaders added that famine conditions affecting 500,000 Gazans was confirmed as of August, and that 90% of the population had been displaced.
“Palestinians must be allowed to receive sufficient amounts of food, medical supplies and other essential humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials,” the letter urges. “Supplies must be made available in an unfettered manner that does not threaten the lives of aid seekers and is not controlled by military actors.”
The letter presses the administration to prioritize the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and medical assistance to all victims of the war and demands that all parties adhere to international law with respect to human rights. “Violations, including the targeting of civilians, collective punishment and the denial of basic services, must be addressed and prevented.”
The document concludes with a call for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including annexations and Jewish settlements that violate international conventions.
“A just and lasting peace is impossible so long as the fundamental rights of Palestinians are denied and their freedom, self-determination and dignity are systematically undermined. Israelis must be able to live with freedom, self-determination and dignity, and Jews must be able to find refuge, as they have found in Israel over the years, especially as antisemitism rises across the world.”
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