Press Release: FMEP calls for cease fire in Gaza
FMEP | December 29, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Foundation for Middle East Peace Urges Immediate Cease Fire in Gaza
Washington, DC, December 29, 2008
In a letter to President George W. Bush today, the Foundation for Middle East Peace urged immediate U.S. efforts to bring about an end to Israeli military action in Gaza, rocket attacks against Israel, and Israel's blockade of Gaza, and to use American "moral and diplomatic authority to save lives and make peace." Excerpts from the letter, signed by FMEP President Philip C. Wilcox, Jr., follow:
"The terrible mutual violence of recent days has left hundreds of Palestinians dead or wounded and terrified many Israeli civilians. This and the siege of Gaza have created a humanitarian disaster that cries out urgently for American diplomatic intervention.
The use of deadly force is cruel, futile, and undermines the security of both parties. It will only deepen the bitter conflict between Israel and Palestine that your administration has sought to heal through peaceful negotiations. ...Both Israel and Hamas share responsibility for this crisis. There is no justification whatsoever for the highly disproportionate use of Israeli force which has brought such devastation to Gazan society or for irresponsible rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli towns. The United States should avoid taking sides and use its moral and diplomatic authority to save lives and make peace.
America must engage actively to bring about a cease fire and an end to the Gaza conflict as essential elements in resolving the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the interest of our own national security and to restore hope in peace for both Israelis and Palestinians."
