Quaker peace plan for Israeli-Palestinian conflict comes from strong values, and "on the ground" experience. [View all]

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2024/04/a-values-focused-faith-produces-plan.html

You could say that, when it comes to the Middle East, Quakers are "woke." And that's a good thing, because the hatred and violence that is advocated by those who are critical of, and opposed to this kind of societal wokeness only makes the problems worse. Being woke is the only hope there is to resolving them and to bringing peace.

So the Quakers are speaking with first hand knowledge, from a position that has a foundation undergirded by real values that are actually practiced, and not just talked about, and from the experience of having actually helped to bring about peace, equality and justice in those places where they've been able to minister and apply the resources available to them. They speak with authority. And instead of listening to those whose vision for both Israel and the Palestinian people always end in violence and have failed over and over, maybe it is time to listen to those who actually value peace, equality, and justice, and have the integrity to be consistent in their application.

This plan is not advocating for a cheap, easy peace. There is a recognition of sacrifice required from all parties. Hamas, and other Palestinian militant groups born out of the tangle of Middle Eastern politics, must deny their own nature, and hold those who have committed human rights violations, or who broke the law, accountable. This means they must take responsibility for the October 7th attack by bringing those responsible to justice. That's a gigantic ask, but a necessary one if peace is to be achieved.

Likewise, Israel must release Palestinian political prisoners, and it must recognize independent, autonomous Palestinian territory, which means giving up settlements in the West Bank and extending full civil rights to all Palestinians who are in its own territory. The Western Allies, specifically the United States and the United Kingdom, must assume responsibility for backing these policies, treating Palestinians and Israelis equally, supporting and helping enforce the ICJ restrictions on Israel and basically guaranteeing the original two-state solution.