United Church Social Policy Positions

WHEREAS the Executive of General Council has affirmed its conviction that "a necessary step towards true peace in the region will be through the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions specifically 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948) and that these resolutions require…the withdrawal of Israel from the West Bank and Gaza including settlements; and

WHEREAS the World Council of Churches and global partners such as the Middle East Council of Churches have stated their clear understanding that an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine is necessary and required step for a lasting and just peace in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS the current situation of instability and hatred in the Middle East requires concerted action of all people to find a path to a just and peaceful solution of the conflict;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 38th General Council record its conviction that a just peace in the Middle East will require:

• the recognition by Israel Government of a fully sovereign State of Palestine with secure borders, and territorial contiguity encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
• the recognition by the emergent State of Palestine and other neighbouring Arab States of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state within safe and secure borders;
• the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
• the ending of suicide bombings as well as other forms of violent attacks directed towards civilians on the part of Palestinians;
• the withdrawal of Israeli military forces to pre-1967 borders and the ending of all forms of collective punishment and violence by Israeli Government on the Palestinian people;
• the recognition by Israeli Government and the emergent state of Palestine of equal citizenship rights, protections, privileges and responsibilities for all of their respective citizens regardless of religious or national origins.

General Council: 38th General Council, 2003

Record of Proceedings Page Ref. 2003 ROP, p. 100-101, 601-603