Events in recent days heighten concern regarding the situation in Israel/Palestine. A report from Christian Aid and a consortium of agencies*, published on Thursday March 6th, said: "the situation for 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is worse now than it has ever been, since the start of the Israeli Occupation in 1967". Since Thursday, the attack on a religious school in Jerusalem increases the likelihood of spiralling retaliatory violence.

Reflecting on the deepening humanitarian crisis, Mission Council:

i. Expresses a sense of outrage at the impact of the continuing violence on the civilian populations.
ii. Calls on the Israeli government and Palestinian armed groups to cease all attacks against civilians.
iii. Supports the call by Christian Aid and other agencies for international efforts to be directed towards ending the blockade of Gaza, which is causing enormous hardship to ordinary women, children and men.
iv. Appeals to Palestinian and Israeli leaders to draw from their faith traditions, that which respects all people created in God's image, and to work towards achieving peace and justice in both Israel and Palestine.

Mission Council asks the Church and Society committee to ensure that this resolution is sent to:

i. Her Majesty's Government.
ii. Christian Aid
iii. United Reformed Church project partners in the region, assuring them of our prayerful support.
iv. Israeli Embassy
v. Palestinian Delegation Office

*'The Gaza Strip: A Humanitarian Implosion' published by Crisis Action