The World Council of Churches (WCC) expresses its profound concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon and Gaza and reaffirms its commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all peoples.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) expresses its profound concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon and Gaza and reaffirms its commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all peoples. We are deeply alarmed by the continued disregard for international law, which only perpetuates the cycle of violence and collective punishment, as tragically seen in various conflicts around the world. The ongoing attacks by Israel, which have resulted in widespread destruction and the tragic loss of civilian lives, are intolerable. Israel’s missile strikes and other actions in Lebanon now followed by its invasion of southern Lebanon are clear violations of international law, an affront to the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, and acutely provocative, threatening wider conflict and even more terrible humanitarian suffering in the region.
We also recall the ongoing assault on Gaza, a region that has already paid an unbearable price in civilian lives and destruction. The war on Gaza must end immediately. The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity, with access to basic necessities and support for rebuilding their lives in peace.
We call for an immediate end to all violence. The path to peace lies in dialogue and negotiations, not in yet more bloodshed and destruction. The international community must exert pressure on Israel to halt these violations and uphold the principles of justice, peace, human dignity and equal rights. All countries and leaders, and especially the United States of America, must play a more intentional role in establishing just peace in the Middle East to avert a full-scale regional war. The persistent pre-occupation with war and violence must come to an end, and the members of the international community must assume their role and responsibility to ensure this happens to prevent further destruction and the deaths of more innocent people.
We express our Christian solidarity and support for WCC’s member churches and ecumenical partners in Lebanon and the Middle East Council of Churches in the midst this current crisis. We pray that the people in Palestine, Israel and Lebanon may find strength and God`s abiding presence during these difficult and dangerous times.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
general secretary
World Council of Churches
