We prayed for peace. We protested and demonstrated walking the streets of many cities asking for a ceasefire. Although much delayed, it is on its way. All being well, the ceasefire will start on Sunday 19th January 2025.  We hail the prospect of a halt on the onslaught on Gaza and the release of hostages. The agreed peace deal will be implemented in three stages:

• Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives and Israel will free Palestinian prisoners; Israel will halt fighting, withdraw troops to Gaza’s borders and allow aid and displaced residents to return to their houses (even if destroyed) including in the North of Gaza;
• the ceasefire holding, the second stage will come in 6 weeks: all remaining Israeli male captives will be released; negotiations will ensue for more Palestinian prisoners to be released, and Israel will withdraw its remaining troops from Gaza;
• stage three will focus on the return of the remains of captives who are no longer alive; the rebuilding of Gaza and the reopening of its borders.

The World Methodist Council has consistently called for a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, an end to the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, an end to the blockade of Gaza, and the establishment of a Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel. These are the conditions in which peace could last. That is still our prayer and our work for peace. God be our helper!

We urge the various facilitators to continue to support this new process for lasting peace in the region.