The Universal Peace Federation is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the current crisis in the Gaza strip. Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faith leaders of the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) of the Universal Peace Federation are committed to peacebuilding and an end to the cycle of violence in Israel and the Gaza strip. Amidst the violence and despair, MEPI continues to foster dialogue and understanding to seek God's guidance toward the resolution of conflict.
Violence will only lead to more hatred and destruction. Real and lasting peace can only come about through understanding, service, and mutual benefit for all. This path requires the leadership of people of all faith traditions, leadership that can light a path toward the resolution of this tragic conflict.
We call for a worldwide interfaith action for peace in Gaza and Israel. We call for faith leaders to come together to explore the options for peace through dialogue and ask the faith leaders of the communities of Gaza, Israel, Palestine, and from the rest of the world to stand together calling for worldwide prayer and fasting for peace in Gaza and Israel.
We sincerely ask all heads of state and governments to join together to implore the leaders of all sides to end all violent actions. The path of war and blood will only sow seeds of deeper hate and division. The path to lasting peace is through interfaith cooperation and service which can set the tone for peaceful diplomacy.
Finally, we encourage the "Quartet," together with NGOs and faith-based organizations, to convene an interfaith summit among leading representatives of the Abrahamic faiths to initiate faith-based cooperation for peace and development in Israel and Palestine.