A Path to Peace in the Middle East

April 2024

The Board of Directors of the NE Iowa Peace and Justice Center supports a negotiated settlement that brings an end to violence against all civilians. This would include release of all hostages and cessation of hostilities between the armed forces of both Hamas and Israel beginning with a lasting ceasefire. The implementation of this ceasefire must be the starting point for a process that results in either the establishment of two sovereign nations, Israel and Palestine– each responsible for its own security or one nation with equal rights for all citizens under law.

The United States must stop providing arms and funds for weaponry to Israel.

Israel must allow all international humanitarian aid to enter Gaza unimpeded.

A negotiated ceasefire and peace agreement should be guaranteed by the United Nations Security Council by the use of international peacekeeping forces.

Issues surrounding the illegal appropriation of Arab Lands on the West Bank or in Gaza by the Israeli government or settlers must be resolved in accordance with the principles of international law and previous Security Council resolutions that addressed the sovereignty of Arab lands in the occupied West Bank.

This is a call for compassion on all sides.