HWPL urges ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, advocates for peace

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, initiated by a barrage of rockets on October 7, has resulted in a significant loss of life, prompting fears of potential escalation into a broader international confrontation. Numerous governments and global entities have issued calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities through official channels.

On the 12th of this month, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international non-governmental organization based in South Korea and affiliated with the UN Economic and Social Council and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, issued a formal statement addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. This marks the third official proclamation by HWPL advocating for peace, following previous statements concerning the human rights crisis in Myanmar in March 2021 and the Russia-Ukraine War in February 2022.

In its latest statement, HWPL emphasized the dire plight of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of armed conflict, underscoring the urgent need to halt unjustified aggression to prevent further civilian casualties on a massive scale. The organization implored the warring parties to immediately cease hostile actions, safeguard civilian populations, and actively pursue avenues for reconciliation and peace. Furthermore, HWPL called upon the United Nations and the international community to swiftly intervene by mediating dialogue between the conflicting parties and providing essential humanitarian assistance.

Notably, on March 14, 2016, HWPL collaborated with legal experts from 15 nations to formulate and unveil the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),” advocating for the establishment of international legal frameworks conducive to peace. This declaration advocates for global cooperation, citizen engagement, and cultural initiatives aimed at preempting conflicts, facilitating mediation, and fostering enduring peace. HWPL has declared its intention to submit the DPCW to the United Nations for consideration. Through extensive peace-building endeavors spanning over 170 countries, HWPL is actively crafting actionable strategies to cultivate a world characterized by sustainable peace, by galvanizing institutional support within the international community and nurturing widespread public awareness of peace-related issues.