WCC NEWS: WCC welcomes release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the news on 13 October of the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. File Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 13 October 2025 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the news on 13 October of the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.  “We join their families and communities in celebrating their return to their loved ones, and the end of this painful separation and period of acute uncertainty,” said Pillay. “We welcome the fulfilment of this first step on the path to ending this brutal war, and we acknowledge and congratulate President Trump and all those who contributed to achieving this breakthrough.” WCC welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, urges lasting peace (11 October 2025) 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 356 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