Quakers welcome ‘crack of light’ in Israel-Hamas agreement
The reported agreement between Israel and Hamas is a “crack of light during an unimaginably dark period," Quakers in Britain said today.
The faith group welcomed commitments to release hostages and political prisoners, allow the return of forcibly displaced Palestinians and to accelerate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
They prayed that all parties would commit to the agreement's full implementation as quickly as possible.
Quakers also joined other UK organisations working on the ground in Israel and Palestine in calling on the UK government to ensure the pause becomes a permanent ceasefire.
In a joint statement signed by Oxfam, Amnesty International and others, they called for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestine.
Quakers in Britain statement, 16 January 2025:
“This news is a crack of light during an unimaginably dark period.
“We welcome the reported deal's commitments to release Israeli and Palestinian hostages and political prisoners, allow the return of Palestinians forcibly displaced from their homes by Israel, and accelerate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
“This deal must not be an endpoint, but a step towards rapidly ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and ensuring a just, lasting peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.
“With more lives needlessly lost as each day passes, we pray all parties commit to its full implementation as quickly as possible. May loving hearts and cool heads prevail over the challenging days and weeks ahead."