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This is a statement from the Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), which the General Board of Church and Society is a member.

President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President,

During your presidency, we have often written to you, both recognizing the important steps you have taken to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and asking you to do more to achieve peace. We write today with an unprecedented sense of urgency and foreboding because of the current violence in Gaza.

The Israeli response to the unacceptable rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza is not only disproportionate but also serve to strengthen extremists in Gaza and undermine moderates in the region. As people of faith, we care deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians and deplore the deaths of innocent civilians caught in this conflict. While we appreciate Secretary Rice’s statement of Dec. 27th calling for an immediate cease-fire, there must now be prompt action by your Administration to help bring about an end to the violence.

It is not enough for the United States to urge “Israel to avoid civilian targets”, particularly in light of Israel’s stated intention to continue, expand, and intensify its current offensive. If this spiraling violence continues, both peoples will suffer and the risk of a broader confrontation will increase. There can be no military solution to this conflict. Only a political solution will bring a durable peace to both Palestinians and Israelis.

In addition to the escalating hostilities, the continued closure of Gaza with the cutoff or delay of vital food, fuel, electricity and adequate access to medical attention for the residents of Gaza must be addressed quickly and responsibly. We are confident that U.S. engagement, together with international partners including Egypt, can help restore the cease-fire, end the border blockade, and establish real security at Gaza’s borders.

We hope that your Administration will work together with the incoming Obama Administration to ensure a smooth transition on this pressing national security issue. We recognize that while the immediate renewal of a ceasefire in Gaza and southern Israel is essential, in the long-term only the realization of the two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure Israel, can provide a safe and prosperous future for all the people of the Holy Land. That is the vision of the peace efforts you began with the Road Map and continued at Annapolis over a year ago. It is one to which we continue to be committed for the sake of Israelis and Palestinians alike.