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Two weeks ago, we all breathed a sigh of relief: A fragile ceasefire in Gaza was announced and both Israeli and Palestinian hostages were returned. At a summit in Egypt a few days later, world leaders celebrated in front of a backdrop of flags; to hammer home the purpose of their gathering, the phrase “PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST” was emblazoned above them in all caps. And then the news cycle moved on: to No Kings protests, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House, and a fresh batch of stories vying for our attention. But Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor in the West Bank, has not moved on. Nor have the people of Palestine. As Isaac writes: “I cannot pretend that this ceasefire, or the so-called ‘peace’ plan that follows it, represents anything close to justice.” While expressing gratitude for lives spared and prisoners released, he grieves those who continue to be killed by Israeli forces and the lack of accountability for what the Palestinian people have suffered: “What politicians are selling to the world is not peace; it is submission.” As I read, Jeremiah 6 ran through my head: “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. They acted shamefully; they committed abomination, yet they were not ashamed; they did not know how to blush” (v.14-15). I hope we are all humbled by Isaac’s words—and accept the invitation he offers in this piece.—Betsy Shirley, editor in chief
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