WCC NEWS: WCC executive committee: “Gaza’s future cannot be determined by external powers”

In a statement entitled “Seeking Hope for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel,” the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages and prisoners. An 11-year old boy rides his bike amid the ruins of Khan Yunis, Gaza. Houses in the area were destroyed by Israeli air strikes during the 2014 war between the state of Israel and the Hamas government of Gaza. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 24 November 2025 But the governing body also affirmed that “no peace can take root without justice, and that accountability is indispensable for healing and reconciliation.” The statement calls for the ongoing investigations of the International Criminal Court into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by both Israel and Hamas to proceed without obstruction, political interference, or double standards. The WCC executive committee called for, among other actions, ending “the impunity enjoyed by extremist settlers perpetrating violent attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank.”  The WCC executive committee is meeting in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November. WCC Statement Seeking Hope For a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel WCC central committee moderator reflects on church unity, climate justice (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC general secretary: “WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support” (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC executive committee opens in Hangzhou, China (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) Photo gallery: WCC executive committee meeting in China 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