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The conflict in Gaza is into its second week, with no end in sight.  The United States has blocked United Nations efforts to push for a comprehensive cease fire that would hold both Israel and Hamas accountable to end attacks.  Over 500 Palestinians, including numerous civilians, have been killed and more than 3000 injured in Gaza as a result of the Israeli military campaign.  Israelis have also been killed and injured by rocket attacks originating from Gaza.  The result of violence has been a worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the continuation of violent attacks.

> Gaza Palestinians

The political situation in the Middle East is especially volatile right now, with Israelis planning an election in a month, and the US in a clear moment of transition.  The people­both Palestinians and Israelis­though, cannot afford to wait for leadership to emerge.

> Israeli Soldiers in Gaza

Gaza has become the focus of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the last couple of weeks, with a focus on eradicating Hamas elements.  With 1.5 million Palestinians living on roughly 140 square miles in area, Gaza is the most densely populated place on earth.  Gaza?s borders have been essentially sealed since Israel withdrew in August 2005, with little access permitted for supplies such as food, medicine, or fuel, a condition that has created acute shortages in the past days.  Unemployment is at an all-time high, and despair among Palestinians­Muslims and Christians­is extremely high.

> Palestinian Youth with Gun in Gaza

Please click here to contact the State Department and your members of Congress to urge the US to:
Support the international efforts to broker a comprehensive and immediate cease fire, not simply to end the current fighting, but with an eye to addressing the root issues of the Gaza reality and, ultimately, toward negotiating a peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Pressure Israel and Egypt to allow humanitarian relief supplies (food, medical supplies, and fuel) to enter Gaza in an expeditious manner to alleviate the suffering of the people desperately in need.

More information about the situation, including statements and reflections from UCC partners may be found at: http://globalministries.org/news/mee/gaza-response.html.

Immediate relief operations are underway and long term recovery efforts will be necessary. The United Church of Christ has expanded its Gaza Crisis appeal to include an additional $100,000 for immediate and long term needs. To read more and to donate to the appeal visit http://www.ucc.org/disaster/ucc-expands-gaza-crisis.html