Church leaders call for an end to fighting in Gaza

Image: Mohammed al Bardawil/Unsplash.

The United Reformed Church, Christian Aid, other humanitarian agencies and global church leaders have urged the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP to call for an end to fighting in Gaza.

In a joint statement, the 69 international Christian church leaders and aid agencies said “enough is enough” as Palestinian families in Gaza are “wiped out.”

They also condemn the vitriolic “crimes of hate” against Jews and Muslims which are “straining community cohesion and interreligious efforts”.

In the statement, the church leaders say: “We write as religious leaders to say enough is enough. We cannot remain silent as generations of families in Gaza are wiped out in an instant.

“World leaders cannot sit by while Palestinian civilians in Gaza experience such catastrophic destruction and trauma.

“The relentless and unrestrained bombing campaign with horrific indiscriminate effects and the ground invasion by Israel must end.

“We weep with broken hearts as we hear of hospitals, mosques, churches, and schools damaged and destroyed by this war. In Gaza, there is no safe place. There is no refuge. There is no escape.”

Since 7 October, more than 15,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. 1,200 Israelis have also been killed. During the seven-day pause last week more than 100 Israeli hostages were exchanged for 240 Palestinian detainees and some humanitarian aid delivered.

Along with church leaders and other relief agencies, Christian Aid is calling on all world leaders to press for a full and permanent ceasefire to come into effect immediately. The charity says this is the only serious option to stop further loss of civilian life and deepening the humanitarian catastrophe.

Read the letter in full and full list of signatories.

Image: Mohammed al Bardawil/Unsplash.