WCC News: WCC calls for the cessation of all violence in the West Bank

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for an end to the Israeli military’s assault in Jenin.  The WCC condemns the assault and calls for the cessation of all violence in the West Bank including that from Israeli settlers. 23 November 2022, Bethlehem, Palestine: A man walks across the street that marks the edge of the Aida camp, established in 1950 by UNRWA and located between the municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Jerusalem. The camp is partly surrounded by the separation wall raised by Israeli authorities to block off the West Bank. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 05 July 2023 “The assault by Israel’s military on Jenin Refugee Camp has left 12 people killed, 120 injured including 20 in critical condition, while thousands fled their homes,” he said. “Also, the Latin Patriarchate announced that their church in Jenin was damaged due to the attack.” Pillay noted that the Orthodox and Latin churches in Jenin opened their doors to some refugees out of the 3000 who fled the camp, but the WCC is worried because the humanitarian needs of the entire camp’s population of 18,000 people have to be taken care of urgently.  After numerous futile attacks in the past, the military assault serves only to exacerbate the humanitarian situation.  “The WCC is worried because the longer the assault continues, the further the humanitarian situation will deteriorate,” said Pillay. “The military assault is yet another futile effort, after numerous attacks, that served only to exacerbate the conflict.” The Jerusalem Patriarchate issued a statement asking that the military attack stop. “A similar statement by the Latin Patriarchate condemned the violence and demanded a ceasefire,” noted Pillay.  Pillay concluded: “The WCC also calls upon the international humanitarian organizations to help rebuild people’s lives with peace and dignity in Jenin Refugee Camp.” World Council of Churches calls for end to Israel’s military assault Jerusalem Patriarchate calls for an end to the attack on Jenin and calls for a safe and dignified life 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