Protests in Gaza are being met with lethal force by the Israeli military.

At least 28 Palestinians have been killed and over 1600 wounded by Israeli forces, according to an April 17 press release from UN human rights experts who said, “’security forces continue to use live ammunition and rubber bullets against the protesters, killing and wounding dozens of mostly unarmed protesters, women, men and children alike.’”

Fifteen leaders of US churches and Christian agencies are standing up for Palestinians' rights and calling for accountability for Israel’s use of force. See their statement on April 12th: “Right of Refugees, Right to Demonstrate Peacefully, Right to Dignity.”

EXCERPTS FROM THE STATEMENT:
(all italics added)
“We reject the use of violence by individuals, groups or states.”

“In the wake of demonstrations that have resulted in tragedy and death, and anticipating the continuation of Palestinian protests over the coming weeks, we cannot be silent.”

“In demonstrating, Palestinians have sought to bring the world’s attention to, and to recover, their rights — rights as refugees, to demonstrate, and to live in dignity.

They have been met with an immediate and tragic rejection of those rights, but as people of hope, and in the season of Easter, we believe that those rights will ultimately prevail.

In this time, we pray fervently, speak clearly, and act diligently in support of peace, justice, and equality.”

THIS POWERFUL MESSAGE MUST BE HEARD IN WASHINGTON. Congress needs to know that:
» Leaders from these 15 churches and Christian agencies strongly support Palestinian rights.
» They are calling for Israel to be held accountable for its actions.
» And citizens throughout the US support their call!

Click to contact Congress and echo the message of the April 12th statement.
You can review the message before sending it.

In it, you will ask your legislators to take these crucial steps:
• Call for an end to Israel's violence against the protesters.
• Ensure US aid isn’t used to violate US & international law.
• Support the rights of Palestinian refugees.
• Insist on an end to the blockade of Gaza.

Even if you think your legislators won't respond favorably, please send the message! They should hear continually from constituents who support universal rights for all Palestinians and Israelis and want Congress to do the same.

BACKGROUND ON THESE EVENTS

From the Christian Leaders' statement:

On Friday, March 30, thousands of Palestinians participated in the first of several weeks of planned nonviolent demonstrations in Gaza near the fence with Israel. These demonstrations are expected to continue until May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba (“catastrophe”) Day, remembering the 1948 displacement and dispossession of 750,000 Palestinians, and resulting in a Palestinian diaspora and a refugee population that today numbers over five million, including descendants. At the same time Israel will celebrate 70 years since its establishment on May 14, 1948.

Recommended Reading:
Gaza and The March of Return