JERUSALEM, Dec. 13, 00 (CWNews.com) - A delegation of US religious leaders has criticized Israel for using excessive force against Palestinian demonstrators and called for peace in the region.
The group of 26 leaders representing US churches said they were shocked by the bloodshed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. At least 312 people, mainly Palestinians, have died in the 11 weeks of fighting.
«We have come as an ecumenical delegation of the United States' churches in this holy season in anticipation of the birth of the 'Prince of Peace' in this land,» the delegation said in a statement. «We have seen the exploded shells made in the USA found in ambulances and in families' homes. We have seen the impact of Israeli settlements that strangulate and isolate the Palestinian people from one another.»
«We have heard the terror in the voices of Israelis Jews and Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike,» the statement added. They called on Israel «to end the use of disproportionate force in violation of international norms, as when tanks and helicopters are used to attack civilian neighborhoods.»
Episcopal Bishop Vincent Warner said he was particularly moved by a nine-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza who pleaded with the delegation to help protect Palestinians. «She represents many of the children who had seen their lands plowed under and their houses taken away and it's violence no child should see,» Warner said.
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
13. desember 2000