The World Council of Churches (WCC) has reiterated its pressing appeal for a just peace in the Holy Land and for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
In a statement released this week by the WCC Executive Committee as it concluded its annual meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the ecumenical body expressed deep concern over the growing toll of death, destruction, and trauma inflicted on innocent civilians on both sides.
Condemnation of all violence against innocent civilians
The statement decried what it described as “the abject failure” of the international community and of political leaders in the region to stop the endless cycle of violence and suffering in the Holy Land.
The Committee once again condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel, expressing shock and outrage at the killing of innocent civilians, including children, and the use of hostages and civilians as human shields.
It also condemned what it called Israel’s disproportionate retaliation in Gaza, criticizing the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, hospitals, churches, and mosques, which so far has caused over 11,000 deaths and injured at least 37,000, most of whom were women and children.
