The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem as they condemn Israeli airstrikes that exploded at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on 19 October.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem as they condemn Israeli airstrikes that exploded at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on 19 October
The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem as they condemn Israeli airstrikes that exploded at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on 19 October.
“We therefore call upon the international community to immediately enforce protections in Gaza for Sanctuaries of Refuge, such as hospitals, schools, and houses of worship,” the statement reads. “And we call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire so that food, water, and vital medical supplies can safely be delivered to the relief agencies ministering to the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians in Gaza, including those operated by our own churches.
“Finally, we call upon all warring parties to de-escalate the violence, cease from indiscriminately targeting civilians on all sides, and operate within the international rules of warfare,” concludes the statement.
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. “This attack on a place of refuge is both senseless and heartbreaking,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary. “We stand with the churches in Jerusalem and many around the world who are calling to protect places of refuge, stop injuring and killing innocent people, and open more humanitarian corridors.”
Pillay called on respect for international law—including the Geneva Convention—international humanitarian law, and human rights to be respected and upheld to protect all civilians and for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Pillay concluded: “We call on all leaders to work for just peace in the Holy Land. Only justice will lead to peace, safety, and security for all.”
Article retrieved from: WCC stands in solidarity with Jerusalem heads of churches in urgent call to protect places of refuge | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org)