CITIZENS NEWS

American Christians mobilizing for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel

By richardbrown // 2024-03-21

A coalition comprising hundreds of American Christians is mobilizing local congressional offices in at least 20 cities across the United States with a mission to urge elected officials to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to halt Washington's arms sales to Israel. Organized by a group called the Christians for a Free Palestine (C4FP), the campaign not only calls for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza but also aims to persuade representatives to reject Christian Zionism – an ideology that bases its political support for Israel on Biblical prophecies. (Related: Christian Zionism harbors a contradiction – genocide can't be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus Christ.) "Christianity should not be leveraged to prioritize weapons of war over the peace and safety of people in our own local communities and across the world," said Cicia Lee, an organizer with the C4FP. "Christian Zionism and Christian Nationalism work side by side – both are ideologies that justify violence against others, fueling antisemitism and anti-Muslim violence and currently enabling a genocide. We instead turn to the liberating path of Jesus, who fought against empire and proclaimed 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'" The coalition asserts that Christian Zionism represents a significant political and financial force that supports what they describe as the genocide of Palestinians. The group comprises Christians from various denominations, mainly Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans, along with smaller groups of allies such as Quakers. This action is part of a series of lobbying efforts in recent weeks aimed at advocating for an end to the conflict in Gaza. Despite the administration of President Joe Biden's staunch support for Israel's actions, demonstrations across the U.S. have demanded an end to the conflict and Israel's occupation of Palestine. However, the Christian-led action stands out as one of the few explicitly condemning Christian Zionism. Christian Zionism hinges on the belief that the modern state of Israel fulfills Biblical prophecies, with its fate intertwined with that of the United States. With an estimated 20 million followers in the U.S., Christian Zionists have exerted significant political and financial influence, including sponsoring Jewish migration to Israel and funding the construction of illegal settlements in internationally recognized Palestinian territory in the West Bank.

U.S., Israel agree to framework for proposed Gaza ceasefire

Early this month, the United States said Israel has approved a framework for a proposed ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner release agreement, leaving the decision in the hands of Hamas. "There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it," a senior U.S. official from the White House told reporters during a conference call, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas." According to the official, the proposed framework includes a temporary ceasefire of six weeks and the release of captives by Hamas, particularly those considered vulnerable, such as hostages who are sick, wounded, the elderly and women. Additionally, a potential agreement would likely facilitate the delivery of aid to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who are facing severe humanitarian challenges, including the threat of famine. Israel has imposed strict restrictions on the entry of essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, into the Gaza Strip since the conflict began on Oct. 7. Reporting from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith noted that the U.S. announcement appears to be aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept the broad terms of the proposed six-week ceasefire. However, he highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Hamas's response. "Hamas has previously insisted on a full permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza," Smith said. "These are demands that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called delusional. So both sides, on the face of it, seem far apart." Watch this report from Al Jazeera of how Israeli forces massacred people waiting for aid in Gaza. This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Poll: Two-thirds of American voters want U.S. to push for PERMANENT CEASEFIRE in Gaza. Palestinian Christians in Gaza fear Israel's ongoing bombing campaigns will lead to their EXTINCTION. Gaza's dwindling Palestinian Christian community could be COMPLETELY WIPED OUT by Israeli attacks. The untold story of Christian Zionism's rise to power in the United States. Evangelical Christians turn their backs on Christians in Palestine who are being murdered and attacked by Jews as they give unconditional support to Israel. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com

national security Israel politics genocide big government Hamas deep state awakening Palestine revolt peace resist ceasefire WWIII uprising progress zionism Gaza Israel-Palestine war Christian Zionism Christians for a Free Palestine