WCC News: Patriarchate of Jerusalem gravely concerned over Israeli shelling targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gaza

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is standing in solidarity with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which issued a statement on 31 October condemning the Israeli military’s bombardment of the Orthodox Cultural Center in the Tel Al Hawa neighborhood of Gaza. Tel Al Hawa neighborhood in Gaza after the bombardment.  Photo: Patriarchate of Jerusalem 02 November 2023 In this statement, the Patriarchate emphasizes that this attack represents a stark embodiment of Israel’s unwarranted determination to destroy the civil infrastructure and social service centers, as well as shelters for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave. “The Patriarchate highlights that social, cultural, and sports centers have become vital providers of essential humanitarian services and safe havens for those affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas,” reads the statement. “The Patriarchate further expressed that this assault on the Orthodox Cultural Center and its service facilities constitutes a direct and unjustified attack on one of the pillars of culture and social services in Gaza.” The Patriarchate also noted with grave concern that the Israeli military has targeted 19 places of worship, including mosques and churches in Gaza. “Such attacks on civilians, particularly children, and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, cannot be justified on rational or humanitarian grounds and are fundamentally at odds with even the most basic moral values,” reads the statement. “The Patriarchate reiterates its firm demand for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pledges to continue its international efforts to achieve this goal as soon as possible.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. “Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are in clear violation of international law,” said Pillay. “We stand with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and many around the world who are calling to protect places of refuge, and to stop injuring and killing innocent people.” The Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Israeli Shelling of Orthodox Cultural Center Embodies Unjustifiable Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure in Gaza WCC stands in solidarity with Jerusalem heads of churches in urgent call to protect places of refuge (WCC news release, 23 October 2023) WCC condemns attack on building adjacent to St Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza (WCC news release 20 October 2023) WCC calls for urgent humanitarian response in Gaza and UN-Led criminal investigation (WCC news release 19 October 2023) WCC outraged at news of attack on hospital in Gaza, calls for justice and human dignity (WCC news release 17 October 2023) WCC calls for immediate ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza (WCC news release 15 October 2023) WCC, Jerusalem Heads of Churches invite all to global prayer day (WCC news release 15 October 2023) Jerusalem Heads of Churches urge addressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza (WCC news release 13 October 2023) WCC calls for a new approach to conflict in Palestine and Israel (WCC news release 13 October 2023) 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