On the Escalation of Violence Among Israelis and Palestinians

We at Peace Catalyst see the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians, and the increasing death of civilians, as reprehensible and counterproductive to any holistic or just peace. As peacemakers who have worked for ten years to build peace between Christians and Muslims, we know that this conflict is very important to both communities, and we understand that there are many passionate perspectives and competing calls for justice. We also understand that the use of violent force does not necessarily represent the desires of innocent Palestinian and Israeli people who bear the pain of indiscriminate killing. We further understand that from a distance it is difficult to know or understand all of the details and nuance of the situation, as mainstream media provides us with only a limited picture.

As peacemakers we seek equitable, just, and sustainable systems that lead toward the mutual thriving of all, and we therefore condemn the current violence in all its forms. Such violence makes peacebuilding only more difficult. We are also disturbed by the desecration of the Al-Aqsa mosque, especially during Ramadan, and the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem.

Peace Catalyst calls on the political leaders to cease using violence to coerce compliance to unjust systems. Violence, on all sides, should be replaced with good faith negotiations that recognize the dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis. We advocate for the peaceful, sustainable co-existence of Palestinians and Israelis obtained through non-violent strategies, the pursuit of equality for all, and the cessation of all violence by governments and individuals.