The conflict in Israel/Palestine is one that receives a great deal of attention world-wide. Global political interests, religion and history all impact on the possibility of an end to the violence. Diakonia is cooperating with Israeli and Palestinian partner organizations that are working for peace and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.

A humanitarian disaster

The world’s focus on the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine means that the humanitarian disaster in the Palestinian territories that Israel occupies has been largely forgotten. The occupation and the restrictions on the Palestinians’ freedom of movement have created enormous difficulties for them.
Neglect, corruption and insufficient respect for human rights within the Palestinian government make daily life even more difficult for the Palestinian people. That in addition the Palestinian territories are controlled by a number of different political movements has complicated the situation even further.

Worsened poverty in Gaza

In addition, the situation for Palestinians living in Gaza has worsened since the Israeli forces began a massive military campaign in the area at the end of 2008. The widespread destruction of material assets has increased the suffering and poverty of the civilian population in Gaza.

On the West Bank, unemployment was at 23% in November 2008. At that same point in time, 49% of Gaza residents were without work.

Diakonia’s partner working for peace

Diakonia has a long tradition of cooperation with the Christian churches in the region. Today, we have partner organizations on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides of this conflict. Our partners include secular, Christian, Jewish and Muslim organizations.
Our partners are working in many different ways to improve the situation for the poorest and most vulnerable Palestinians. The rights of women and children and the functionally impaired are priority areas. Another important focus is our partner organizations’ work for peace. Israeli and Palestinian organizations are working together to publicise and document crimes against international humanitarian law.

The world's responsibility

Diakonia calls on Swedish and European politicians to use their political influence to persuade the parties to this conflict to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.