Statement of

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal President Emeritus

World Conference on Religions for Peace

To those of us who have watched the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grow more and more desperate over the past few months, the Israeli assault on the Territory was not unexpected. However, seeing of images of human anguish never fails to cause despair. Along with millions around the world, I beseech both Israel and Hamas to practice restraint, and call for the immediate cessation of violence by both parties.

I do not claim to speak on behalf of Muslims or of Arabs, but I know I speak on behalf of all of those who desire a better future for our region and for the world. Israel's use of excessive, disproportionate force against the territory of Gaza, following a lengthy and heartless siege of a population  already suffering from a lack of its most basic needs - food, fuel, medical supplies, and freedom of movement - is not legal under international law. It will not lead to a peaceful solution of the greater conflict. On the contrary, violence usually begets violence. An assault like the one Gaza is witnessing may serve certain short-term political objectives.  However, peace cannot hope to take root in an atmosphere so fraught with hatred, violence, and injustice, as the number of dead and injured continue to multiply.

If we are to believe that both Palestinians and Israelis, share the burden of responsibility, then that responsibility must be shared across all parties within both communities. At this moment, we must not be distracted by the factional divides which exist on either side, for in the end the losses of this war will be felt by everyone.

How much longer will the world accept the suffering and the deaths of innocent civilians? How much longer will we tolerate the half-truths and double standards that dominate the discourse of addressing conflict in this region? All sides should be ever mindful of the fact that lives of human beings are at stake. The international community must not continue to turn a blind eye to the human security of the region, as the consequences are simply too heavy to pay.

We are now in the midst of a holiday season for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. When will the peoples of Palestine and Israel live without bloodshed, and celebrate in peace?

(Amman-27 December 2008)