ATFP Statement - September 1, 2004

We, at ATFP, regularly receive feedback as to why we generally do not issue public testimonials or feature news reports in the Daily News Roundup, about Israeli or Palestinian civilian deaths in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

ATFP's position on violence against civilians is clearly articulated in the organization's Mission Statement:

"ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence directed against civilians no matter who the victims or perpetrators may be."

Every innocent life lost in the conflict, whether Israeli or Palestinian, is equally precious and grieved for. Given that, if ATFP was to condemn or issue a public statement on civilian deaths, it would be obligated, in the interest of fairness and morality, to issue a statement for each and every civilian death. This would necessarily include suicide bombings directed against Israelis as well as Israeli violence resulting in Palestinian civilian deaths.

ATFP has therefore decided not to issue a public statement on every act of violence or civilian death in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, recognizing the tragic reality that violence will remain a daily feature until a just two-state solution is found to the conflict. Instead, ATFP's focus continues to be on articulating the national security interests to the United States in the establishment of a Palestinian state, living alongside Israel in peace and security.

It is important for the record however, to state our condemnation of yesterday’s bombings as morally and politically reprehensible. These, along with the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians over the course of the past several months, serve only to fuel impulses for retribution and revenge on all sides; impulses that stand in the way of peaceful coexistence between the two peoples in two viable states.

Finally, while the 'Mideast News: World Press Roundup' does not feature news reports on violence that serve as a 'body count' for each side, news items and op/eds that analyze the issue of violence are featured.

For detailed information on conflict statistics visit the Middle East Policy Council >>

RESPONSES           

"Your organization remains a beacon of hope and an unfettered voice of reason."

Respectfully,
Mark M.

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"Well said!!"

Dr. Timothy S.
Associate Professor of Political Science

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"Thank you for the position statement on violence against citizens. I fully agree with it."

Br. Ronald G.
Former Vice Chancellor, Bethlehem University