ATLANTA – After more than 15 months of bloodshed, displacement and destruction, the news of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is a long-awaited answer to the prayers and pleas of millions around the world. We give thanks for this time of respite from violence, fear and destruction in Gaza. We welcome the coming release of hostages and detainees by both parties. We urge both parties to implement fully the provisions of the ceasefire and ensure that it becomes permanent.

But for the Palestinian people, the path toward just and sustainable peace with full accountability is long. And just beginning.

The people of Gaza have experienced a suffering so deep that it will be felt for generations to come. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, families and whole communities displaced, and almost all infrastructure including homes, hospitals and schools destroyed. We mourn alongside the people of Gaza for the suffering and loss imposed on them. For what has been unjustly taken from them.

In East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Palestinians continue to face mounting violence, fear, ongoing detentions and displacement. We urge an immediate end to all violence and displacement.

Through our partners in the region and the United Nations, we will continue to support our brothers and sisters in Gaza as they seek to rebuild their lives and communities. And in our commitment to justice, freedom and peace for all of God’s children, we will continue to pray and act for accountability, reconciliation and a lasting stability throughout the Middle East.

Roland Fernandes is the general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.

Read more from our partners:

ACT Alliance Statement on the Announcement of a Ceasefire agreement in Gaza – ACT Alliance

The Palestinian Christian Initiative – Kairos Palestine Statement on Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Humanitarian Relief & Recovery Middle East Story