CMEP condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, urges de-escalation of regional aggression

Washington DC based Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has condemned 'in the strongest possible terms' Israel's recent attacks on Iran, including reported strikes near nuclear facilities and within civilian areas.

They say in a statement: 'These reckless and unlawful actions risk the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the Middle East and escalate the threat of a catastrophic regional war. We also call on Iran to cease its counterattacks against Israel. Military solutions are not the answer and will only cause more death, destruction, and harm. Such escalations not only cause civilian deaths but further destabilize the entire peace and security of the region.

'Israel's ongoing military aggression, in recent days, has resulted in the deaths of dozens of unarmed civilians and the destruction of vast amounts of infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran. These actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life, international law, and regional stability. These actions are not defensive; they are acts of provocation and destruction. Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the international community, acting outside the bounds of international norms and in violation of multiple international legal frameworks.

'CMEP calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable to the fullest extent of international law. This includes a complete and multilateral ceasefire and the withholding of weapons from Israel, because of their use in the violation of international law. This will prevent further escalation and halt Israel's trajectory of destabilization and devastation across the Middle East.

'This is not only a Middle Eastern crisis, it is a global one. The ongoing attacks threaten not only the lives of Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, Yemenis, Iranians, and Israelis, but also the lives of Americans and others who may be drawn into war. The Israeli government and all violent actors must be held accountable for their actions of inciting wars and violence, the occupation of surrounding territories, and their other violations of international human rights.

'The United States must urgently say no to further escalation and must refuse to enable Israel's path of destruction. Congress must act swiftly to oppose any efforts for the United States to formally enter on Israel's behalf into a war with Iran. CMEP calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, accountability under international law, and a renewed commitment to a just and lasting peace that promotes human dignity for all people in the region.'