WCC demands end to apartheid, occupation, impunity in Palestine and Israel

22 November 2022, Jerusalem, Palestine: Sunset over the Jerusalem old city and east Jerusalem. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee has expressed "deep lamentation and outrage" as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to levels that flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.

"We recognize a clear distinction between the Jewish people, our siblings in faith, and the acts of the Government of Israel, and we reaffirm that the WCC stands firm against any kind of racism, including antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, and islamophobia," reads a statement released by the WCC governing body. "However, the unbearable suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza, and the escalating violence and oppression in the West Bank and in Jerusalem compel the global fellowship of churches to speak with clarity, urgency, and commitment to the principles of justice under international law and ethics."

The WCC reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, and to international law as a framework for peace, justice, and accountability.

The statement calls for naming the reality of apartheid. "We recognize and denounce the system of apartheid imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, in violation of international law and moral conscience," the text reads.

The statement calls for implementing sanctions and accountability. "We call on states, churches, and international institutions to impose consequences for violations of international law, including targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes," the text reads. "Full support must be given to the International Criminal Court and UN mechanisms investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity."

The statement also affirms Palestinian rights and freedom, justice, return, and self-determination. "We demand the end of the occupation and the lifting of the unlawful blockade on Gaza," reads the text.

Finally the statement calls for support for the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian churches and communities, "upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith."

The statement concludes by commending the leadership of the South African government in seeking justice and accountability to international law through the International Court of Justice, and urge all states to comply with the court's rulings. "Churches worldwide are called to witness, to speak out, and to act," the statement concludes.

The WCC central committee is convening 18-24 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.