THE Archbishop of York, the Primates of Scotland and Wales, and the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, are among 30 church leaders who have called for Israel’s “deadly escalation” of the war in Gaza to stop.

A statement issued on Thursday describes how the leaders “have lamented daily the futile loss of life, the suffering and desolation that has unfolded across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory following the atrocities committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

“We have called repeatedly for an end to the war in Gaza, that the hostages and prisoners be released, and that unfettered aid reach those in need. Despite our pleas, the conflict continues unabated with the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians, ever more innocent blood shed, homes destroyed, cultural and religious sites damaged or destroyed, and children left dying from hunger and starvation.”

The leaders express fear “that the unfolding assault on Gaza City will only intensify the human suffering and misery as already malnourished and traumatised families are forced, yet again, to flee the horrors of this war. This deadly escalation is futile and must stop”.

They say that they agree with the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, that “the new IDF [Israel Defense Force] assault on Gaza is utterly reckless and appalling”.

The leaders also express appreciation of the Churches in the Holy Land “for their faithful service, profound solidarity and peaceful witness”.

Their statement continues: “We urge the international community to do all in its power to ensure that Israel, as the occupying power, uphold its responsibilities under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure the provision of food, water, medicine and other essentials to those in need. Religious and cultural sites must be protected and respected.

“Even though the consequences of this war will be long lasting, and the prospects for a just and lasting peace appear distant, we continue to have faith that a better future is possible — a peace that upholds all human dignity and that provides for the flourishing of all communities.”

The statement concludes by inviting churches “not to despair, but to join with us in praying for an end to this war — to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122) — and, in working with the Churches in the Holy Land and with all those who have the courage to seek what is good, to help create and support the conditions of healing and life in this troubled land.”

Other signatories to the statement include the Greek Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas (Lulias) of Thyateira & Great Britain; the General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Dr Nicola Brady; the General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal; and the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Revd Lynn Green.

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said on Thursday that he noted “with serious concern” the report of the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which, he said, “holds that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have committed — and are continuing to commit — genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza” (News, 19 September). 

He continued: “It is imperative that the Israeli authorities cease such activity immediately and look to implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. They must also allow for the full and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale throughout the Gaza Strip. I pray that our own government will take seriously the UN’s report and act accordingly. I appeal for the full recognition of our common humanity and for respect for the value and dignity of every human life.

“In the face of the UN’s report, Christians cannot remain silent — we must speak out for the rights and freedoms of both Israelis and Palestinians and we must be diligent in prayer for the peoples of the Holy Land.”

Bishop Chessun called for churches “to unite in prayer and public witness for the peoples of the Holy Land” on Sunday (21 September): the UN’s International Day of Peace.

Read the church leaders’ full statement and list of signatories here.