WCC news: WCC welcomes decision by Israel’s Supreme Court as a sign of hope

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the decision by Israel's Supreme Court, ordering the return of Khirbet Zanouta Palestinians to their village in Hebron’s Masafer Yatta area in the West Bank, by 16 February, after they fled due to settler violence.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 6 February 2025 The court ordered that the Israeli military and police must protect the safety and wellbeing of the Palestinian returnees. The court said that effort must be exerted also to keep settlers away from the village and its land. Khirbet Zanouta is in Masafer Yatta, otherwise known as the South Hebron Hills.  “Khirbet Zanouta Palestinians have fled their village twice in the past due to settler violence,” noted Pillay. “They have been away from their homes for two years now.” Pillay said that the court’s decision is a step in the right direction to bring peace, justice, and safety for all in the Holy Land.   “It shows that there is hope for a better future, and that humanity’s shared values can prevail,” he said. “The court relied on a memorandum submitted by Israeli legal experts who said that that the eviction  amounts to forcible transfer, which is illegal under international law and may amount to a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention.” Pillay reiterated that the World Council of Churches supports the efforts of Israelis and Palestinians who want to build peace. “The decision by Israel’s Supreme Court brings the integrity and vision needed to secure justice for both peoples,” he said. Read the full statement 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