GENEVA, November 25, 2024 (WAFA) - The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, in a statement, expressed deep concern over ongoing and widespread Israeli attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure in occupied Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, spilling over into neighboring Syria and beyond.

“The toll of these brutal military attacks is appalling,” read the statement. “They have led to a catastrophic loss of life, with more than 50,000 civilians killed—including children, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and journalists—and tens of thousands severely injured and traumatized.”

The WCC governing body observed with deep sorrow the ongoing attacks on hospitals, clinics, and ambulances in Gaza and Lebanon, which have decimated essential healthcare services.

“In addition to the destruction of medical facilities, the statement underlined that denial of humanitarian access, and obstruction of aid violate both international law and the sanctity of life”. “In northern Gaza under siege, an estimated 400,000 people are trapped, denied access to basic necessities such as food, water, fuel, and medical care, which contravenes international humanitarian law and human dignity.”

The statement noted that the severity of acute food insecurity in Gaza has sharply worsened.

The WCC called for an immediate ceasefire across Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader region to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods, and to restore compliance with international law.

“In further recognition of relevant obligations under international humanitarian law, we demand the elimination of obstacles to humanitarian access and call for the unconditional facilitation of humanitarian aid for those trapped in conflict zones,” the statement reads.

WCC called for an arms embargo on Israel in order to prevent the further escalation of violence and to protect civilians.

T.R.