UK bishops condemn Gaza violence

The House of Bishops of the Church of England has issued a strongly worded statement on the continued conflict in Gaza.

In it, they call for an instantaneous ceasefire, the discharge of all hostages, and international recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Converging in York this week, the bishops described the violence in Gaza and across the region over the past 20 months as a “grave sin” and a profound violation of human dignity.

The statement, rooted in Christian Scripture, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9) and humanitarian law, urged a renewed commitment to peace and denounced each Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel’s ongoing military response.

The bishops condemned the Israeli government’s recent actions, labelling restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza as a type of “collective punishment” that “has no moral justification”. 

The bishops cited widespread destruction, the targeting of hospitals, specifically the recent bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital, and the starvation of civilians as evidence of a shift from self-defence to what they now consider “a war of aggression”.

“Over the last three months, the Israeli government’s deliberate denial of food and medical aid to a complete civilian population is an atrocity that defies our common humanity,” the statement read.

They affirmed the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to live in “peace and security of their homeland” and said that coerced resettlement violates international humanitarian law.

“The continued expansion of settlements within the West Bank, the appalling levels of settler violence, and the forced displacements and house demolitions must stop,” the statement said.

The bishops acknowledged ongoing legal proceedings against the Israeli government on the International Court of Justice but said that humanitarian crises cannot wait for judicial outcomes. 

“Starving children cannot wait for legal rulings provided that every country has an obligation to stop crimes against humanity,” they said.

“As bishops we’re compelled to state clearly and unequivocally that the death, suffering and destruction being inflicted on Gaza is a grave sin that violently assaults God-given human dignity and the very integrity of God’s creation.”

In their call to motion, the bishops urged an instantaneous halt to hostilities by all parties, and pressed for the unconditional release of all hostages.

They further demanded unrestricted access for UN agencies to offer relief aid in accordance with established humanitarian principles.

The bishops backed the British government’s latest decision on 20 May to discontinue free trade talks with Israel, describing it as a vital move toward holding the Israeli government accountable.

They accused Israeli officials of dehumanising and dangerous rhetoric and claimed that the vitality of a recognised Palestinian state was essential to achieving a sustainable peace.

“To maintain the hope of a long-lasting peaceful solution, governments should now formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. To delay further invites despair,” he said.

Highlighting a worldwide call for justice, the bishops commended Jewish voices inside and beyond Israel who’re opposing the war and advocating peace.

They expressed solidarity with the Jewish community within the UK amid rising fears for his or her safety, and strongly condemned antisemitism, including the recent “shocking and senseless murder” of two representatives of the Israeli embassy who were stationed in Washington DC.

In a practical appeal, the bishops urged dioceses and congregations to persist in assisting the Diocese of Jerusalem and efforts to rebuild the Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza.

Their message concluded with the reiteration of their Easter call for prayer and motion in pursuit of an enduring peace: “Such efforts reassure our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters and all other Christian communities that they will not be forgotten. We give thanks for his or her steadfastness and faithful witness, and invite churches across the country to affix us in praying for his or her ministry in sharing the sunshine of Christ in such dark times.”