Pax Christi International calls for ceasefire and justice in Gaza

On 19 August 2025, the leaders of Pax Christi International, Co-Presidents Bishop Marc Stenger and Sister Wamūyū Wachira, with Secretary General Martha Inés Romero, issue a statement on the unimaginable violence in Gaza, following the Israeli government's declaration of its occupation.

As a global Catholic movement for peace, justice and nonviolence for more than eighty years, Pax Christi International speaks with deep moral urgency at this critical hour.

The statement denounces the violence, the occupation and the political manoeuvres that continue to dehumanise and oppress, and calls instead for immediate, concrete steps towards a just and lasting peace.

The full text in English follows:

Brussels, August 19th, 2025

Pax Christi International on the current situation in Gaza

Statement by Co-Presidents Bishop Marc Stenger, Sister Wamūyū Wachira, and Secretary General Martha Inés Romero

Pax Christi International, a global Catholic peace movement working for justice, peace, and nonviolence for over eighty years, affirms the dignity of every person and the call to live in harmony with others and creation. Its co-presidents Bishop Marc Stenger and Sister Wamūyū Wachira, and Secretary General Martha Inés Romero, strongly denounce the condition experienced by the people of Gaza and the political manoeuvre revealing a totally unacceptable exploitation and dehumanisation of people.

Pax Christi International's stand is that the occupation, dispossession, and profound human suffering, denial and lack of protection of rights and dignity of Palestinian people is unacceptable and calls for urgent concrete and lasting actions, as prolonged injustice only deepens the human suffering and further erodes the hope for a just and lasting peace.

We call unequivocally for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire.

- All hostages, whether Israeli or Palestinian, must be released without delay.

- The transfer and sale of arms to Israel and to Islamist armed groups must be halted, so as not to fuel further violence.

Humanitarian access must be guaranteed.

- We denounce Israel's 6 May 2025 imposition of new NGO registration rules, measures that threaten to cripple humanitarian relief and deepen the suffering of Palestinians.
- Holy sites must be protected, placed under neutral status, and opened freely to all faiths.
- The UN Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, must be afforded full protection in the exercise of her mandate

A just political settlement is urgent.

- The State of Palestine must be recognised without delay, alongside an unequivocal commitment to a genuine two-state solution.
- The occupation of Palestinian land and the violent, unlawful practices of settlers must end.
- International law must prevail. Binding commitments and concrete enforcement mechanisms are required to guarantee accountability, uphold human rights, and safeguard the dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis alike.