Dr Michael Malone: Christians4Palestine
This document is aimed at providing a wider context to the Gaza genocide for priests and clergy. The aim is to highlight the 8th October as the second anniversary of the Gaza genocide and to widen the discussion on the treatment of Palestinian Christians. We also want to draw attention to all of the hostages – Israeli and Palestinian – the latter very often ignored.
Introduction
I have created this document to provide a context for the Gaza Genocide. I have also provided the October 2024 Pax Christi letter, signed by Irish Catholic Bishops, outlining the issues and actions identified then.
The context to the Gaza Genocide October 2025
As the second anniversary of the Gaza genocide on October 8th comes close it is important that people understand the full context of the genocide and address some of the many common MISCONCEPTIONS that have been deliberately created.
The first of these is that the attack by Hamas on October 7 was the start or the trigger for this terrible situation. This is incorrect. The Palestinians of all religions were displaced in huge numbers by the Israeli militias in 1948 – the NAQBA OR CATASTROPHE. At that time Israel forcibly displaced 750,000 Palestinians, committed hundreds of murders and burnt 400 Palestinian towns and villages. These Palestinian refugees and their descendants live in camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank.
In the year 2023, UP UNTIL OCTOBER 6, Israel had killed 250 Palestinians – 50 of these were children. Israel had a blockade on Gaza in defiance of international law which deemed it an ILLEGAL OCCUPATION. Israel used ’CALORY COUNTING’ to control food and other necessities going into Gaza. Palestinians experienced power cuts 13 hours per day. 96% of groundwater in Gaza was deemed unfit for human consumption. 80% of Gaza adults were dependent upon international aid to survive.
The second misconception is that the genocide continues because Israel wants to free the HOSTAGES. Let us be clear, taking and holding hostages is a war crime. There are some 23 Israeli Hostages still alive and 27 presumed dead currently. What is seldom discussed are the 11,100 Palestinian prisoners/detainees that Israel holds. This includes 400 children and 3500 men and women held in what is called ‘ADMINISTRATIVE DETENTION’ – better known as internment without trial. Almost 340 medical staff have been detained with 162 still in detention. Then there are some 7000 Palestinian prisoners tried under a military court with a 99.9% conviction rate. All prisoners Israeli or Palestinian should be released immediately.
Ordinary People have been shocked by the brutality and the starvation of Palestinian civilians by Israel – creating a FAMINE – how could anyone do this?
This leads to the third misconception – the claim that Israel is a democratic state. Israel is an APARTHEID STATE – like that which existed in South Africa. In fact, many black South Africans – including Bishop Desmond Tutu said that it is worse. The apartheid belief is that Palestinians are inferior to Israelis, and this is indoctrinated into children from nursery school. This DEHUMANIZATION is what fuels the slaughter of Palestinians. Hospitals, churches, schools, food aid centres and the entire infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed. These are war crimes.
The Israeli regime rebuts any criticism of its actions as ANTISEMITIC – repeating this at every opportunity. The misconception here is that it is a Muslim v Jewish conflict. Israel has a policy of driving out all non-Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, through its system of oppression. Many will have seen the Louis Theroux TV programme that lifts the lid on the SETTLER COLONIALISM being perpetrated by Israel. They force Palestinians off their land, demolish their homes, kill their crops and bring settlers from the US and beyond to occupy the land. They have no connection to the land that they occupy. Many of the Israelis who control the regime came from Europe after the holocaust in the Second World War. Israel now openly declares its aim to annex the whole West Bank.
The financial backing for Israel comes from AMERICAN CHRISTIAN ZIONISTS. Zionism is a political ideology which believes that some races are superior to others – Palestinians are deemed to be inferior – like the black South Africans. This is fundamentally RACIST and therefore UNCHRISTIAN – it ignores the teachings of JESUS himself, who looked after the poor, the hungry and the prisoners and came to save us all.
- Financial pressure created by the BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS (BDS) movement can help force the Israeli regime to cease the genocide. This means we all need to play our part boycotting Israeli goods and companies which have been found by the UN to be complicit in the genocide – for example, ALLIANZ. This places a responsibility upon large organizations such as the GAA and the Church to cut links with such companies.
What we all hope and pray for is – PEACE, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY. However, it will require a huge effort by the rest of humanity to apply pressure to Israel and its main supporter, the USA. The change has already started with the great example of the Spanish government that has applied comprehensive sanctions against Israel. More governments and organisations are moving also. Microsoft, which fully supported the Israeli regime, has now banned it from using its technology and data centres. This is a significant development.
So, what are the things we should be demanding from Israel and USA?
- That the war machine that has been created in Israel is dismantled and attacks on Palestinians and their neighbouring countries ceases – an immediate and complete ceasefire.
- Humanitarian aid and all resources to sustain life are fully restored to Palestine.
- That all hostages/prisoners unjustly detained are immediately released.
- That all war crimes are investigated and the perpetrators tried in ICC.
- The apartheid laws are repealed so that all citizens are treated equally including refugees.
- That the reconstruction of the Palestinian towns, cities starts immediately.
Pax Christi International Declaration
Almost a year ago, in October 2024, the genocide was running for a whole year. No one thought it would last that long – it is now reaching its second year. Pax Christi authored a letter, included below, and it was signed by a number of Irish Catholic Bishops, including Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Alan McGuckian on behalf of Irish Catholics.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated beyond everyone’s worst fears – famine and the continued murder of innocent Palestinians by Israel fully supported by USA and other complicit countries and multinational companies. The Palestinians – Christians and Muslims – are dependent upon us acting now.
Embracing Our Faith: A Call to Speak Out on the Holy Land – PAX Christi International
Take this opportunity to make a stand for Just Peace
Letter Dated October 2024
Over the past year, we have witnessed the tragic escalation of a severe humanitarian crisis that continues to affect countless lives. On 7 October 2023, over a thousand Israelis were killed in an attack by Hamas-led factions, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 42,000 people losing their lives in Gaza. Both communities are enduring profound suffering, and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is worsening, with famine and disease leading to further loss of life. In the West Bank illegal settlements continue to expand and settler violence has dramatically increased since October 7th, creating a coercive environment that makes life impossible for Palestinian communities and forces them to leave their homes.
In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that there are plausible grounds to believe that Israel may be violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. Meanwhile, the situation across the Middle East is rapidly escalating, with ongoing breaches of international law in Lebanon steadily building up towards a wider regional war. These tensions have deep roots, stemming from a conflict that began over a century ago. There is thus an urgent need for a just and lasting peace that addresses the situation in its complexity, while ensuring the needs and rights of all affected parties are respected.
As religious leaders and communities of faith, we have a vital role in preventing atrocities and advocating for sustainable peace in the Holy Land. Furthermore, it is our moral responsibility to advocate for those suffering and to condemn atrocities. We can establish a path toward lasting peace by combining grassroots efforts with international community negotiations.
Call to Action:
1. Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
We urgently call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence, which continues to claim innocent lives of Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese civilians. A ceasefire is essential to facilitate the unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where the situation is beyond dire. Ensuring that humanitarian organisations can reach those in need without obstruction is critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, respecting international humanitarian principles, and valuing human life.
2. Hostage Release and Protection of Civilians
We also call for the immediate release of all hostages as well as unlawful detainees, under the protection of international law. A ceasefire will create the necessary conditions for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing their release and ensuring that civilians are protected from further harm. Independent, neutral investigations into human rights violations and robust civilian protections are essential for building trust and preventing further escalation.
3. Addressing Root Causes of Violence
Beyond the immediate crisis, we must address the underlying causes of this ongoing suffering. The Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory must end. Barriers to movement and access to essential services must be removed to allow people to meet their basic needs and rebuild their lives. The ongoing violence, including land seizures and rising fear, must be halted and met with neutral investigations and measures to ensure civilian safety. Human rights and the right to self-determination must be respected and put at the centre of any political solution.
4. Respecting the Status Quo on Jerusalem’s Holy Sites
We also advocate for secure access to the Holy Sites everywhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and respect for the right to worship. The unique status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the sanctity of its sacred spaces, and the sustainability of all its communities must be safeguarded and respected by everyone.
5. Government Action and International Law
We urge our governments to take decisive action in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Diplomatic efforts must focus on de-escalating the conflict, supporting affected communities, and ensuring that all parties respect the rules of war. Legal mechanisms like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) play a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future atrocities.
6. Reopen Dialogue for Lasting Peace
Reopening dialogue for a lasting peace agreement is vital. Only through sustained negotiations and a commitment to justice and accountability can we hope to address the root causes of this perpetual violence and build a future where everyone’s rights are respected. In order for any peace process to be meaningful and inclusive, civil society organisations and faith communities will need to play a central role.
A Lasting Solution:
The efforts outlined above can address both the root causes and the immediate emergencies of this ongoing conflict. Implementing these measures will facilitate dialogue between the parties, bringing an end to violence and achieving lasting peace in the Holy Land, where everyone’s human rights are respected.
As faith leaders and representatives of faith communities, we believe in the power of hope and action. By standing together and advocating for justice and compassion, we can contribute to a future where peace prevails, and the dignity of every person is upheld.
Guided by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,’ we are compelled by our faith to speak out and act in the face of suffering and injustice. We urge you to reflect these values in your decisions and actions, promoting peace, upholding human dignity, and working tirelessly for a just resolution to this conflict. Together, we can be instruments of peace, committed to healing and reconciliation for all.
Dr Michael Malone
Our website and contact details are Christians4palestine.org