wfn.org | Liberation Theology Group Calls for End to Israeli Occupation

[JerusalemRelOrgs@aol.com]

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 14, 2002.--The international liberation theology group known 
as Sabeel has issued a new statement in the midst of escalating violence in 
Israel and Palestine.  Basing its urgent appeal on the words of the Hebrew 
prophet Micah, the organization addresses the international community and 
cites international law.  

The ecumenical group, based in Jerusalem, called for international protection 
for "the whole Palestinian people."  The statement blames the "illegal 
occupation" of Gaza and the West Bank for the current conflict.

The full text of the statement follows:

Sabeel Statement
March 13, 2002
 
In the context of the rapid escalation of conflict in the Palestinian 
territories occupied by Israel, and in Israel, we at Sabeel Ecumenical 
Liberation Theology Center remember the call of the prophet Micah to do 
justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. 

In the spirit of this call we ask the global community of every family, 
language, people, and nation:

1.      to call for an end to Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinian 
territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank including East Jerusalem 
implementing UN Security Council Resolutions 194, 242, and 338;

2.      to demand Israel's compliance with international law and the IV 
Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians in occupied territories, 
including

a.       fulfilling nations' obligations under the IV Geneva Convention to 
intervene and bring to an end the present deadly cycle of violence caused by 
the current Israeli incursions into Palestinian refugee camps and cities, the 
continuing bombardment of civilian areas, and the terror it has created on 
both sides;

b.      to end the Israeli policy of collective punishment and humiliation of 
the whole Palestinian population;

c.       to require Israel to end the killing of Palestinian doctors and 
other medical workers and targeting of ambulances and all other Grave 
Breaches of the Convention, which constitute war crimes;

3.      to support the protests against the Occupation voiced by Palestinians 
and those Israelis who stand for a just peace;

4.      to honor, encourage and stand in solidarity with the many people who 
are engaged in non-violent resistance

5.      to pray for the victims of violence, the wounded, and all of their 
families on both sides of the conflict;

6.      to support church-related and other international programmes of 
monitors to the Occupied Territories for the protection of Palestinian 
civilians, and again call upon the world community to provide the same.

The Palestinian people have the right to struggle 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 upholding international 
law and enforcing the implementation of all relevant UN resolutions and the 
Geneva Conventions.

-end-