Tuesday, June 23, 2026

WCC news: WCC expresses great concern over plans for another Israeli settlement in West Bank

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern at plans and initiatives for the development of yet another Israeli settlement in the West Bank, in the Ush Ghurab area, next to Beit Sahour. 
Photo; Albion Hillert/WCC

“This development would further isolate Beit Sahour, accelerate the confiscation of Palestinian land, and threaten the future presence of one of the oldest and largest remaining Christian communities in the Holy Land,” he said. “It is part of an all too familiar story, of illegal settlements subsequently being officially recognized by the Israeli authorities and expanded, dispossessing Palestinians of their lands and rights, deepening the illegal occupation and settler violence and harassment, and undermining the future of Palestinian communities – including Palestinian Christians – in areas controlled by Israel.”

Pillay called for this settlement project to be halted immediately. “We appeal to the Israeli authorities, responsible governments, and international institutions to act in accordance with international law, and to prevent this looming threat to the Indigenous Christian presence in the land of Christ’s birth, ministry, death, and resurrection,” he said.

Read the full statement

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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.

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