WCC NEWS: Palestinian ambassador meets with WCC to discuss urgent calls for peace and aid

Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi, Mission of Palestine to Switzerland; and Doa Nofal, second secretary at the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, requested an urgent meeting with the World Council of Churches (WCC) to discuss the war in the Holy Land and the current and urgent humanitarian situation. On 18 October 2023, Ambassador Ibrahim Khreisheh, Representative of the State of Palestine Mission to the United Nations and Ms Doa Nofal, Second Secretary, met with the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata WCC progamme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, Ms Marianne Ejdersten WCC Director of Communication and Ms Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for the Middle East. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 19 October 2023 The meeting took place on 18 October, Ambassador Khreishi conveyed his appreciation for the WCC’s esteemed and brave position concerning the dire situation of the Palestinian people in Gaza, as well as its unwavering dedication to pursuing an equitable and righteous peace deal, fostering an environment where both sides live in peace and where Palestinians are granted their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination. He presented a report on the current situation in Palestine and the continued attack on civilians, stating that more than 1000 children have already been killed. He expressed concern that European countries and the United States of America do not seem to intervene in the interest of safety and security of Palestinians, and especially in the area of humanitarian support.  WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, shared his concerns about the current situation in Palestine, the attack on the hospital, and expressed continued support and solidarity for the people in Palestine, and those affected in Israel. Pillay also engaged discussions on the role of Hamas and the media reports about a possible Jihad.  Pillay also reiterated the WCC’s ongoing and increasingly urgent call for an immediate ceasefire, and for humanitarian aid for Gaza. “We urgently ask both parties for de-escalation of the situation, so that thousands of people do not die unnecessarily,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “The State of Israel—the support from the international community—must allow humanitarian support to enter Gaza so millions of innocent civilians, including many children, may receive medical treatment and basic supplies.”  For the meeting with the ambassador, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay was accompanied by Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC progamme director for Public Witness and Diakonia; Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for the Middle East; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director for Communication. On 18 October 2023, Ambassador Ibrahim Khreisheh, Representative of the State of Palestine Mission to the United Nations and Ms Doa Nofal, Second Secretary, met with the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata WCC progamme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, Ms Marianne Ejdersten WCC Director of Communication and Ms Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for the Middle East. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 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