WCC NEWS: WCC calls for an end to violence in West Bank

In the wake of a raid by Israeli military forces in which 11 Palestinians were killed, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned the deaths of civilians and called for an end to violence in the West Bank. 17 April 2019, Tulkarem, West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories: Israeli authorities have placed a sign prohibiting access to what is an old burial ground for the local villagers of Yanoun. The village of Yanoun sits on a hillside in the Nablus Governorate of the West Bank. There is only one road into the village, which is otherwise surrounded on all sides by Israeli settlements. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 February 2023 “On behalf of the global fellowship of the World Council of Churches, we condemn this disregard for innocent people who were going to work, shopping, or attending school, or taking care of their families—trying to simply exist with dignity and security,” said Pillay. “We urgently call for a stop to this kind of violence.” The raid — which was targeting militants—also left more than 100 people injured. Israeli authorities said the operation on 22 February in Nablus was targeting three suspects who were planning attacks in the immediate future. “We extend our condolences and prayer for the victims and their families, for the doctors helping the many injured, and for the lasting trauma this will leave in Nablus and other communities,” said Pillay. He added, “during this time of lent let us continue to pray and work for peace in the holy land and in every part of the world where there is violence, conflicts and war.”  See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland