wfn.org | Palestinian Theology Group Calls for Intervention to Halt Violence

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For further information contact:

Rev. Naim Ateek
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
PO Box 49084
Jerusalem 91491
tel: 972-2-5327136
fax: 972-2-5327137
email: sabeel@sabeel.org
website: www.sabeel.org

    JERUSALEM, March 12, 2002--Following is the text of a statement issued 
today by Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology Movment:

"Remember the value of human life"
 
Sabeel Statement 

March 12, 2002 

In the context of the rapid escalation of conflict in Palestine and Israel, 
we at the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center remember the call of 
the prophet Micah to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. In 
the spirit of this call, we ask the global community to raise one voice 
together:

7        To intervene and bring to an end the present deadly cycle of 
violence: the current Israeli invasion of the refugee camps and the terror it 
has created including the killing of Palestinian medical workers, the 
continuing bombardment of civilian areas under the Palestinian Authority by 
the Israeli forces, and the killing of civilians on both sides 

7        To protest Israel's brutal policy against the Palestinian people: 
the prolonged siege, collective punishment and humiliation of the whole 
population

7        To support the protests against the Occupation voiced by 
Palestinians and those Israelis who stand for a just peace

 7        To lift up in prayer the multitude of non-violent methods that 
people are using to resist 

 7        To request once again for international protection for the 
Palestinian people

7        To pray for the victims of violence, the wounded, and all of their 
families on both sides of the conflict

7         To call on all the leaders of the region to come to the table with 
real offers for a just peace - to implement the United Nations Resolutions 
242, 194, and 338 and other related UN resolutions immediately

7        To call for an end of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian 
territories

The Palestinian people are struggling for freedom and independence.  
Occupation is the source of this conflict.  Until it ends, more suffering 
will take place.  We appeal to the global community to bring about a just 
resolution to this long-standing conflict by enforcing the implementation of 
the UN resolutions and the Geneva Conventions.  

-end-