World Vision’s president Reverend Andrew Morley has used his Thanksgiving weekend message to welcome the truce in the Middle East crisis.
Morley has also called for a longer-term ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid to those who need it.
“As millions celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend and share what they are thankful for, I too want to give thanks for the temporary ceasefire which is taking place in the Middle East. Our hearts have been broken by the events we have seen over the past 47 days,” he says.
“We are delighted to have Caleb, Tegan and Julian on board this year to inspire young New Zealanders to play a part in bringing around positive change,” says World Vision New Zealand National Director Grant Bayldon.
“At World Vision, we have prayed constantly for the children impacted by these tragic events, and for their suffering to stop.
“I am truly thankful that all sides in the conflict around Gaza have managed to achieve a temporary ceasefire and we will continue to pray that this marks the end of children having to endure more death and destruction.
“I am compelled by our Christian faith to call for a longer-term ceasefire by all parties to the conflict,” he says.
Morley says that in addition to a longer cessation in hostilities, there is a pressing need for unimpeded humanitarian access.
“As a global community, it is our responsibility to ensure that aid reaches those in dire need without hindrance,” he says.
Morley says this Thanksgiving, we mourn with all families who have lost loved ones and pray for more peaceful, loving, hopeful days ahead.
World Vision is currently supporting vulnerable children in West Bank and Lebanon by responding to urgent family needs, creating safe spaces, and providing psychological services.
The organisation is also responding in other areas where displaced people will need help and will continue to support through the crisis.
World Vision is not operating in Gaza and has not since 2016.
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