Churches of Middle East Peace, a UCC-supported partner in the region, has released the following statement:

We grieve the tragic loss of eight young lives in the attack yesterday by a Palestinian extremist against Israeli yeshiva students in Jerusalem.  Such terrorism is never acceptable or justifiable.  Unfortunately it is only the latest event in the current spasm of violence and retaliation that started in southern Israel and Gaza and that has led to scores of dead, mostly Palestinian.  All efforts must now be taken to achieve an urgently needed cease-fire.

CMEP heads of churches and organizations sent a letter to Secretary Rice  a week ago expressing concern for all civilians caught in the conflict, urging her to help "achieve a ceasefire, end the Gaza blockade and achieve real security at Gaza's borders".  They warned of the danger of even greater confrontation and the risk this posed to the peace process.

Sadly history suggests one can expect more violence and killing in the months ahead as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continue the peace process initiated by the United States at Annapolis last year.  Both sides, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve respect and support for continuing to negotiate in the face of efforts to derail them.

While not underestimating the forces arrayed against peace and with ample reasons for skepticism, there is no acceptable alternative to pursuing a negotiated two state resolution of the conflict.  We pray the time is coming soon for all the children of Abraham to live in peace and security in the land called holy.