Church of England bishops have renewed their call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, calling the suffering a “grave moral failure” and “a violent assault on God-given human dignity”.
In a strongly worded statement issued after their meeting in York, the bishops said Israel’s actions had shifted from self-defence to aggression. “Nothing justifies the heinous terror attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023,” they wrote, “but the Government of Israel has shown... this is no longer a defensive war, but a war of aggression.”
Although the Israeli government allowed some aid into Gaza this week, the UN reported major challenges in reaching the people most in need.
The bishops condemned the use of siege and starvation, saying: “We have watched with horror and outrage as siege and starvation are used as a weapon of war in Gaza, and as hospitals and health facilities have been systemically targeted. Over the last three months, the Israeli government’s deliberate denial of food and medical aid to an entire civilian population is an atrocity that defies our common humanity. It is the very definition of collective punishment and has no moral justification."
It continued: "We note that the Israeli Government has been challenged before the International Court of Justice. Starving children cannot wait for legal rulings given that every country has an obligation to prevent crimes against humanity. As Bishops we are compelled to state clearly and unequivocally that the death, suffering and destruction being inflicted on Gaza is a grave sin that violently assaults God-given human dignity and the very integrity of God’s creation."
Welcoming the UK’s suspension of trade talks with Israel this week, they called it a “necessary first step”, and urged governments to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state.
In response, Israel's foreign spokesman said external pressure would "not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence".
The bishops also encouraged churches to support the rebuilding of the Anglican-run Al Ahli Hospital and reaffirmed their solidarity with both Jewish and Palestinian communities.