Church commission calls for Palestine state recognition

In a position paper released this month, the Commission stated “even though the form of a Palestinian state (institutions, political system, etc) has yet to be defined by its people, this recognition will enable more just treatment of the Palestinian people and more accountability by all involved”.

“We also consider that developing a viable Palestinian state will diminish support for groups seeking to act militarily against Israel,” the Commission stated.

“The ultimate goal is not only a Palestinian state but a just and lasting peace and equality for all who dwell in the Holy Land.

“This could also lead to a single, secular state in historic Palestine with equal rights for all peoples there.”

The Commission expressed its hope that “the New Zealand Government will act with courage in recognising a Palestinian state”.

“We consider this would be a small step towards a recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to exist.”

But the paper noted that international attention concerning Palestine has “lessened because of the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel”.

The Commission rejected the ideology of Zionism and also stated its opposition to so-called Christian Zionism. At the same time, the Commission also rejected anti-Jewish prejudice.

“We know that criticism of Israel is not per se anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic. We also reject Islamophobia. We encourage assistance to the Palestinian people. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Caritas network are excellent means for this.

“We encourage Catholics to be active in supporting the Palestinian people by the various non-violent means and organisations available, including the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement.”

The position paper also gave a general background to issues in Palestine, noting that the Holy See has long supported a two-state solution in the Holy Land, based on the 1947 United Nations (UN) partition plan.

The paper also summarised the present situation, stating that “genocidal practices – killing of civilians and children” continue in Gaza.

“Destruction of schools, hospitals, water services and agricultural land are all clearly documented. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem there are still land confiscations, house demolitions and ethnic cleansing by Israeli settlers. Attacks by Israelis on Palestinian residents often go unpunished, and the Israeli state actively colludes in illegal settlements.”

FULL STORY

Ecology-Justice-and-Peace-Commission-Position-on-Palestine.pdf (Wellington EJD)