Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Middle East

Religions for Peace Japan expresses its grave concern and profound deep apprehension regarding the recent use of force by the United States and Israel, and the subsequent retaliatory attack by Iran. In order to break the escalating cycle of military action and armed confrontation in the Middle East, we call upon all parties to cease the use of force immediately.

 

In times of war, it is invariably innocent civilians who suffer injury and loss of life. Reports of an attack on an elementary school in Iran, resulting in numerous casualties, have reached us with deep sorrow and anguish.

 

The cycle of retaliation involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and others threatens to spread further across the Middle East region. Now more than ever, the international community must reaffirm its commitment to the fundamental principles of international order grounded in the observance of international law—principles established by humanity in the aftermath of the devastation of two world wars.

 

To this end, we express our full support and solidarity with the United Nations and with all those working tirelessly toward the peaceful resolution of conflict. What is required is not further retaliation, but the collective resolve to break the chain of force and violence. Above all, the protection and preservation of human life must remain the highest priority.

 

Amidst these grave circumstances, we call for the “restoration of human dignity.” We must move away from a world dependent upon force to one founded upon international cooperation and peaceful coexistence, sustained by bonds of trust nurtured through sincere dialogue.

 

We, as religious leaders, call for the dignity of every single life to be protected.

We lament a reality where human beings, each endowed with precious and sacred life, continue to harm one another.

We pray that all people may awaken to the dignity inherent within themselves and others, join in calling for an immediate ceasefire, and continue to act toward the realization of lasting peace.

 

Religions for Peace Japan

Chair Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu