Quaker organisations call for a ceasefire and humanitarian protections in Gaza

Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO), along with Quaker organisations that work on the ground in Palestine and Israel, has issued a strong call to stop the violence and allow humanitarian access to Gaza.

The statement, issued on 17 October, begins by stating:

“Quakers believe in the sacred worth of each person and stand against violence in all its forms. As Quaker organizations, we mourn all lives lost and lament with everyone who is suffering. We grieve for those in Israel and Palestine who have lost precious lives. We pray with those waiting for the return of loved ones and those living under siege and bombardment.”

And later emphasises

“Further military action will not bring peace. We know this as Quakers who are committed to peace and as students of history. That is why we are calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, and action to address the underlying injustice of occupation and inequalities underlying this situation in the long term.”

The full Quaker statement can be viewed at https://quno.org/sites/default/files/timeline/files/2023/quaker-statement-on-gaza-10-17-23.pdf .