WCC strongly condemns treatment of activists detained by Israeli authorities

Sailboats in sunset coming into port of Thessaloniki - photo by Jim Makos on Unsplash

The World Council of Churches has strongly condemned the widely reported humiliation, manhandling and degrading treatment of activists detained by Israeli authorities following the illegal interception of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters. (Among the volunteers was 72 year old RAF veteran pilot Malcolm Ducker. Several have been hospitalised for their injuries.)

WCC general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay said in a statement:

"Such treatment of civilians and peace activists constitutes a serious violation of human dignity and of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. No security consideration can justify abuse.

The WCC demands the immediate release of all detained activists and calls for an independent investigation and full accountability for all reported violations.

We also acknowledge the principled actions taken by several governments to formally express their condemnation of these acts and their concern over the continued violations of international law by the State of Israel. The dehumanising rhetoric and actions promoted by certain Israeli political and settler actors continue to fuel violence, hatred, and impunity.

Humanitarian solidarity and peaceful civic action must never be criminalised. As churches committed to justice and peace, we affirm the God-given dignity of every human being."