WCC News: WCC welcomes news of ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.  23 November 2022, Bethlehem, Palestine: Attributed to the anonymous street artist Banksy, a drawing shows two angels using hands and crowbar to pull apart the separation wall raised by Israeli security forces to block off Bethlehem from Jerusalem. The painting is known as part of the story of the 'Alternativity', started in 2017. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 16 January 2025 “We take joy in the relief that it brings to the families of those who will soon be released, and the hope that it rekindles of an end to the catastrophic war in Gaza which has brought so much death and destruction to so many people and communities,” said Pillay. “We are grateful to all the parties and people concerned who have worked tirelessly to bring about the ceasefire agreement. Pillay added: “We pray and hope that this ceasefire will not only be a temporary pause in this brutal and devastating war, but will open a window for sustainable peace based on justice, accountability for crimes committed, and recognition of the equal rights and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis. In the meantime, we appeal for urgent action to provide humanitarian assistance at the scale needed to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza,  for all constraints on humanitarian access to be lifted and for a detailed roadmap to assist the people of Gaza to recover and rebuild their communities.” Read the WCC statement on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland