The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, headquartered in Geneva, issued a statement on November 25, 2024, urgently calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts. The WCC emphasized in the statement the need to pursue justice and peace in Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East.
The WCC expressed profound concern over the ongoing, large-scale Israeli attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in Lebanon and Syria.
In the statement, the WCC described the Israeli military operations as “brutal and horrifying,” citing a devastating toll on human life. Over 50,000 civilians, including children, humanitarian workers, healthcare professionals, and media personnel, have been killed, with tens of thousands more suffering severe injuries. Medical facilities have been destroyed, and humanitarian, food, and medical aid deliveries have been obstructed. The council demanded that Israel eliminate all barriers hindering the delivery of life-saving assistance and ensure its unhindered access to affected populations.
The WCC called for an international arms embargo on Israel to protect civilian lives, safeguard the innocent in Gaza and Lebanon, and prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
