4 of 4

Where do we go from here? It is clear that the two nations cannot return to the Oslo process. Arafat can no longer allow himself to play the role of a puppet for the Israeli occupation. Furthermore, the Israelis can no longer trust him in that role after his own police and members of the radical Fatah movement used their weapons against Israeli settlers and soldiers.

The use of weapons by Palestinians—Israelis had always used weapons—introduces a further complication. Given Israel's overwhelming military strength, and its doctrine of disproportionate response, the situation poses danger of a world war. The massive response of the Arab and Muslim people makes it difficult for their leaders to do nothing if the situation continues to deteriorate.

But because crisis produces opportunity, this crisis creates a great occasion to pray and work for justice and for peace.

Be sure to read Christianity Today's related timeline "Conflict in the Holy Land | A timeline of trials for the most contested piece of real estate in the world."

The Israel, Palestine, Jordan Confederation provides links to historic agreements like the Oslo Accords and the Wye River Memorandum.

View a map of territories in the Oslo Agreements through 1999.

Visit the official homepage of the Palestinian National Authority.

Read more about Ariel Sharon and his role in the current conflict at CNN.com. You can also learn more about Yassar Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin.

Previous Christianity Today stories about conflict in Israel and Palestine include:

Christmas in Palestine: Hunger and War | Starvation threatens Palestinian villages if U.N. aid continues to be delayed, Vatican official warns. (Dec. 13, 2000)

Between the Temple Mount and a Hard Place | Palestinian Christians want both peace in their villages and justice for their Muslim brothers. (Dec. 5, 2000)

Lutheran Bishop's Appeal from Jerusalem | Religious leader's letter requests prayer for Christians, Jews, and Palestinians in troubled region. (Nov. 10, 2000)

Latin Patriarch tells Israel to Surrender Lands to Palestinians | Catholic leader says Israel will never have peace unless it "converts all of its neighbors to friends." (Nov. 1, 2000)

Fighting Engulfs a Christian Hospital in Jerusalem | Lutherans call conflict on their hospital grounds "an affront" to humanitarian purposes. (Oct. 16, 2000)

Preparing for Pilgrims | Religious rivalry complicates millennial planning. (June 14, 1999)

How Evangelicals Became Israel's Best Friend | (October 5, 1998)

first page |  4 of 4

share this page

January 8 2001, Vol. 45, No. 1