Thousands of Palestinians have held a mass funeral procession for 100 people, including around 60 children, whose remains were recovered from beneath the rubble of destroyed homes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood. Local authorities stated the victims—belonging to the Rahim, Balawi, Malaka, Qanbour, and Salmi families—were killed when Israeli air strikes levelled several residential homes roughly two and a half years ago. The funeral witnessed distressing scenes as families bid farewell to loved ones left unreachable for years.
God of mercy and justice, we lift our voices in lament for the innocent lives lost in Gaza caught in the horrors of violence and genocide. Ensure us that you are present with those suffering and mourning in Gaza. Help us hold accountable those who use violence and commit war crimes, and may we all work to bring an end to impunity. Strengthen us to always to choose justice, peace, and life over violence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The United States ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank again Saturday, calling the behavior an “act of terror” as he visited with Palestinian American residents shaken by months of attacks. Huckabee also used the term “terrorists” last month after weeks of unrest in the West Bank town of Qusra, where settlers surrounded homes, including one owned by a Palestinian American. Amid pressure from the U.S. to crack down on settler attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allegedly ordered unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank to be dismantled.
Holy God, we pray for the people of the West Bank who live with fear, violence, and uncertainty. Soften the hearts and open the eyes of those in positions of power, that they may work sincerely for peace, justice, and accountability. In the face of oppression and occupation, strengthen our witness and deepen our solidarity with those who suffer.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel continue to host the Ministry of the Word both in-person and online every Thursday. These online services are led by Rev. Naim Ateek and are a time to reflect on the gospel through the lens of Palestinian Liberaton Theology and share the weekly Wave of Prayer. This month will have diverse guest speakers including Fr. Paul Abernathy, Shadia Qubti, Christine Pae, and Rula Mansour.
God of truth, we give thanks to the continued witness of Sabeel’s Ministry of the Word. Help our movement maintain mutual love united for one common purpose which is led by the Holy Spirit. Through our weekly meetings, help us move our feet into action and live out our faith personally and publicly for the liberation of our world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
South Africa has submitted a dossier to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of continuing to disregard court orders intended to protect Palestinians amid the Gaza genocide, which is set to enter its fourth year. According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Israel’s non-compliance directly undermines the protective functions of international justice. The submission by South Africa is a vital milestone in the struggle for global accountability and will be a litmus test for the international legal order.
God of Justice, we thank you to voices that remind the world to center human dignity by upholding human rights and international law. Lord, ignite in us a fire that continues to struggle for justice, freedom, and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Palestine Advocacy Days will take place September 20-22 in the USA. Palestine Advocacy Days are about transforming public momentum into political pressure, building collective power, demanding accountability from elected officials, and pushing for tangible policy changes that end U.S. complicity in the ongoing violence against Palestinians. To learn more, visit ajpaction.org
God of Love, we remember that whenever we struggle for justice, your presence is among us. Lord, we pray for the courage and hope of the Holy Spirit that we may be your disciples acting as light and salt in this world. May our actions in solidarity with the suffering bear the fruit of peace and justice for the Holy Land and beyond.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Benin, Ivory Coast, and Togo.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers
You can download this WOP PDF here.