Archbishop of York issues strong condemnation of Gaza crisis

In a forceful statement, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has denounced the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He said: “In the name of God, I cry out against this barbaric assault on human life and dignity.

“It is a stain on the conscience of the international community, and a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law.”

The Archbishop’s comments come amid mounting international outcry following reports of intensified Israeli military actions and chaos at humanitarian aid points.

He warned that further inaction would only deepen the crisis.

Highlighting a joint statement by the UK alongside 27 other countries speaking out against civilian deaths and current aid arrangements, Archbishop Cottrell urged world leaders to transcend rhetoric.

“There is not any time to attend,” he said. “Action should be taken now to taken now to stop this ongoing assault on Gaza, end settlement-building and settler violence within the West Bank, and secure negotiation for a long-lasting and just peace.”

Particular concern was expressed for Christian communities, especially within the wake of a recent fatal strike on the Roman Catholic Holy Family Church in Gaza.

Archbishop Cottrell affirmed unity with church leaders within the region, including the Latin and Greek Patriarchs of Jerusalem, and reiterated the moral unacceptability of targeting churches and hospitals.

The Archbishop also condemned the 7 October Hamas attacks and called for the immediate release of remaining hostages.

However, he emphasised that the present stage of the conflict has shifted into “a war of aggression – a grave sin”, aligning himself with Pope Leo XIV’s stance “that this barbarism must stop.”

Archbishop Cottrell’s remarks were reinforced by his support for the Most Rev Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, who is looking for an urgent halt to hostilities and the implementation of a durable framework for Gaza’s recovery.

Echoing Naoum’s concerns, Archbishop Cottrell rejected any efforts that would end in “the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population from Gaza”.

He concluded: “And within the name of Jesus Christ, I encourage dioceses and parishes to proceed praying for our Palestinian Anglican sisters and brothers and all other Christian communities – and for security, freedom and dignity for Palestinians, Israelis and all of the peoples of the region.”

Christian Aid warns that almost all families are in a “critical situation” as food prices soar, with a bag of flour in northern Gaza now reported to cost over £400, while a pack of 64 nappies has risen to over £140. 

The aid agency’s consultant in Gaza said, “Even families who’ve money cannot buy food. 

“The essential source of food is what’s being provided through humanitarian channels which could be very dangerous to attempt to access.

“People live in fear. There are hardly any local markets anymore.

“It is time for food for use as a tool to avoid wasting people’s lives and produce a just peace quite than getting used as a weapon.

“Hopefully the ceasefire will come soon in order that there will probably be more opportunity for food to get within the Strip and reach the hungry people and this mad war will end.”