For Immediate Release
Dec. 8, 2023
NEW YORK – United Women in Faith joins voices from across the world in decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As an entity committed to the uplift of women, children and youth, the organization highlighted the disproportionate toll of war on women, children and youth. It urges all parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire, abide by international norms, and include women, women’s organizations and gender perspectives in peace negotiations. It also encourages all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of women, children, and youth.
Its General Secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner, issued the following statement:
“There is no question that Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. It is imperative that President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress refrain from providing U.S. funding for the siege on Gaza. There must be a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution that promotes just and lasting peace.
“United Women in Faith condemns the violent attacks of Hamas on October 7 that caused the loss of 1,200 Israelis and other nationals, and the kidnapping of more than 200 hostages. We also condemn the Israeli government’s cutting off water, gas, electricity, goods, and supplies to Gaza. We decry the Israeli government’s large-scale air bombardment and ground invasion of hospitals, homes, schools, mosques, and houses of worship.
“As the largest denominational organization for women, United Women in Faith anchors its beliefs on The UMC Social Principles, which state, ‘As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them. … We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities.’
“These actions place women and girls at greater risk for gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, and infections and disrupt access to essential resources like food, water, medicine, social services, and medical care. We must not lose sight of the physical, psychological, and spiritual impact war and instability has on women, children, and youth.” “As of December 5, 12,000 of the 16,200 Palestinians killed have been women and children, per UN Women. Over 951,490 women and girls have been displaced. Fifty thousand women in Gaza are pregnant, with over 180 giving birth each day, and many are unable to receive care or access medical resources for emergency C-sections or clean water for mixing infant formula.
“As women of faith committed to peace with justice, we are inspired by the work of Palestinian, Arab Israeli, and Jewish Israeli women who advocate for solutions that minimize bloodshed and provide a path forward. We unite our voices with Palestinian and Israeli women who have long recognized that achieving long-term peace in the region will require a negotiated political solution. The status quo of continued occupation, denial of self-determination, and intermittent war will not lead to just and lasting peace, freedom, and security for both peoples. We also join with Israeli voices who call for the repudiation of extremist language and for the Israeli government to demonstrate that it will not pursue a genocidal program against Palestinians in Gaza.
“We condemn anti-Palestinian, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim rhetoric and the resulting rise in hate crimes targeting Palestinian, Jewish, and Muslim individuals, families and communities in the United States and across the globe. We encourage our members and the broader public to actively speak out against anti-Palestinian, antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech and actions.
“We continue to pray fervently for just and lasting peace.”
We urge the Biden Administration and Congress to support:
● An immediate permanent ceasefire.
● Abidance of international humanitarian laws and release of all civilian hostages.
● Lifting the 16-year blockade on Gaza that has subjected 2.2 million Palestinians to collective punishment.
● Full, unhindered humanitarian access and delivery to all parts of Gaza.
● An end to providing U.S. arms to Israel and an overall arms embargo on the whole region.
● The inclusion of women, women’s organizations, and gender perspectives in peace negotiation and future resolution, complying with the global framework laid out in Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
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