“We take joy in the relief that it brings to the families of those who will soon be released, and the hope that it rekindles of an end to the catastrophic war in Gaza which has brought so much death and destruction to so many people and communities,” said Pillay. “We are grateful to all the parties and people concerned who have worked tirelessly to bring about the ceasefire agreement.

Pillay added: “We pray and hope that this ceasefire will not only be a temporary pause in this brutal and devastating war, but will open a window for sustainable peace based on justice, accountability for crimes committed, and recognition of the equal rights and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis. In the meantime, we appeal for urgent action to provide humanitarian assistance at the scale needed to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza,  for all constraints on humanitarian access to be lifted and for a detailed roadmap to assist the people of Gaza to recover and rebuild their communities.”

Following is the text of the statement on the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip:

The World Council of Churches welcomes news of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, and we take joy in the relief that it brings to the families of those who will soon be released, and the hope that it rekindles of an end to the catastrophic war in Gaza which has brought so much death and destruction to so many people and communities. 

We are grateful to all the parties and people concerned who have worked tirelessly to bring about the ceasefire agreement.  We pray and hope that this ceasefire will not only be a temporary pause in this brutal and devastating war, but will open a window for sustainable peace based on justice, accountability for crimes committed, and recognition of the equal rights and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis. In the meantime, we appeal for urgent action to provide humanitarian assistance at the scale needed to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, for all constraints on humanitarian access to be lifted and for a detailed roadmap to assist the people of Gaza to recover and rebuild their communities.

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches