RELIGIONS for PEACE AUSTRALIA
A CALL FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA
The situation in Gaza continues to grow more desperate and dangerous by the day. It is incumbent on us as leaders of Religions for Peace Australia not to remain silent. The devastating restriction of access to essential resources such as medical care, food and water are inhumane. The violence must end.
The attacks on Israeli and Palestinian civilians have been horrific. The acts of murder, rape, capturing and maltreating civilians as hostages, targeting residential areas, hospitals and restricting access to essential resources such as medical care, food and water are fundamentally inhumane. As both Israelis and Palestinians each grieve the loss of thousands of innocent lives, especially those of women and children, we have a deep concern that famine will take the focus of this conflict.
We are reminded that the prioritization of political and military interests, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, is wholly unacceptable and that combat forces have the obligation to avoid civilian casualties in armed conflict. Religions for Peace Australia decries the violence and heinous acts of this humanitarian crisis, especially in Gaza. We stand in solidarity with all victims, who are paying the highest price. The violence must end.
Religions for Peace Australia makes this fervent plea to all parties involved in this conflict to take strong principled action to negotiate a lasting peace and to actively uphold the safeguarding of non-combatants, a mandate enshrined in international law and deeply rooted in the many faith doctrines in multifaith Australia and across the world.
In the spirit of faith, we urgently beseech all political and faith leaders to take strong measures to end the violence and to take essential steps in a process toward lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians in a land that is holy for many world religions. We call for:
- An immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a guarantee of the safety of displaced individuals and humanitarian service providers
- An end to the blockade of Gaza to enable the efficient and safe provision of humanitarian relief including medical care, food and water
- The release of all hostages, in line with humanitarian and human rights law, and the end of any form of collective punishment
- Coordinated international peacekeeping efforts setting a new path towards lasting peace, including a renewal of talks for a viable two-state solution that will lead to healing for Israeli and Palestinian peoples, and the Middle East
Religions for Peace Australia, together with the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace and Religions for Peace International, commit to prayerful and practical action for the safety and well-being of all. Together, let us be harbingers of peace, unity and hope, and for reconciliation and healing in the region. Together let us serve as people of conscience and as champions of human rights, dignity and freedom.
Philippa Rowland & Sandy Boyce
Co-Chairs: Religions for Peace Australia 14 June 2025
Document Control: Issue 1, 14 June 2025.
For further information, contact the Secretary, Dr Susan Ennis, 0400 069 014