In the past two weeks, 280,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced amid ongoing massacres, including the targeted killing of 15 health workers from the Palestinian Red Cross Society by Israeli soldiers. Among those killed was a paramedic named Radwan, whose final words, captured in a video, were, “Forgive me, Mother…this is the path I chose to help people.” Radwan and his colleagues were buried by Israeli forces, seemingly to cover up the massacre. Israel has also imposed no-go zones and displacement orders, restricting access to two-thirds of Gaza.
God of the oppressed, we grieve for the displaced and the killed. We are angered by a world that watches with numb eyes as the powerful wage war. In our righteous anger, guide us to reject the path of violence and choose the way of nonviolent resistance. Holy God, draw near to the innocent people of Gaza in their darkest hour, and strengthen our resolve to hold the leaders of this nightmare accountable.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.