Lylla Younes, reporting from the village of Ain Arab in southern Lebanon, is right: when civilians continue to be killed, displaced and terrorized, the word “ceasefire” loses all meaning. Reports from southern Lebanon and Gaza paint a grim picture of suffering that continues despite repeated calls for peace.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, widely condemned internationally for the devastation in Gaza, appears willing to ignore even the wishes of close allies when military objectives take precedence over diplomacy. Yet the United States and many European governments continue supplying arms while speaking of peace.
Both Jewish and Christian scriptures teach mercy, justice and compassion. The Hebrew Bible commands, “Seek peace and pursue it.” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” These timeless principles are too often ignored when civilians are treated as expendable.
If leaders truly believe in the values they publicly celebrate, they must place peace, harmony, compassion and kindness above conquest, occupation and endless war. The people of Gaza, Lebanon, and the wider Middle East deserve security, dignity and a just peace.
Jewish and Christian scriptures demand no less.
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