Staff picks
January 15, 2025
Canadian Friends Service Committee—the national peace and social justice agency of Quakers in Canada—welcomed the January 16th news that negotiations had led to an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on January 19th. After 15 months of devasting conflict, CFSC shares in the joy of those who are having their loved ones returned to them, for people’s ability to return home, and for the bombardments to stop. We also hold in the Light all those for whom this moment is filled with extreme anxiety, distress, grief, and hope.
We are encouraged that after a week of the ceasefire deal being in place, phase one appears to be proceeding successfully, though not without concerning incidents emerging. The deal is fragile, and we are concerned that successfully completing phases two and three are at risk. The ceasefire deal is to be rolled out in three phases:
Phase one: Over a period of 42 weeks, we look forward to the release of 33 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. There will be an increased flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza (500-600 trucks per day) and the beginning of the gradual withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from Gaza.
Phase two: The complete withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian Territories in Gaza.
Phase three: Rebuilding of Gaza.
Due to the fragility of the current moment, we encourage all actors in the region to strive for even higher goals for peace than those of the ceasefire. We ask them to not be satisfied with just an absence of violence, but to strive for lasting peace, a peace that incorporates justice. Ursula Franklin—a Canadian physicist, pacifist, feminist, holocaust survivor, and Quaker—defined peace as, “not so much the absence of war but the presence of justice… the absence of fear… a commitment to the future.” The last part of her quote stands out strongly. There needs to be a renewed commitment to a peaceful future for Israel/Palestine.
It remains our view that addressing legitimate security concerns expressed by Israel in ways that are in keeping with international law will be the best way to keep Israelis safe as well as providing lasting benefits to Palestinians. A thorough examination of what has taken place over the past 15 months must occur, and the rulings of the International Court of Justice and other aspects of humanitarian law must be enforced as steps toward the creation of a just peace in Palestine/Israel.
CFSC strongly believes that all efforts must focus on a continued adherence to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the entrance of necessary amounts of lifesaving humanitarian aid, and the cessation of hostilities in the West Bank. Strong leadership for peace—peace that addresses legitimate rights and needs and enables all parties to recognize each other’s humanity—is required, now more than ever.
Find out more about our concern for a just peace in Israel/Palestine.
