The Archbishop of Jerusalem is urging churches across the Anglican Communion and ‘wider Christendom’ to pray for an end to the violence in Gaza which has seen a recent escalation.

In a statement released on the Diocese of Jerusalem’s website, Most Rev Hosam Naoum said the world had reacted in horror at the violence which has erupted over the last few days.

At least 31 Palestinians have been killed according to Gaza’s health ministry since Israel carried out a series of air strikes on Tuesday. Another 147 people have been wounded.

One Israeli civilian has been killed and five wounded by Palestinian rocket fire in the same period. It’s the heaviest fighting since last August, when 49 Palestinians were killed in Gaza.

Archbishop Hosam said in his statement on Thursday :

‘Over the past two days, the world has reacted in horror at the sudden eruption of violence in Gaza, which to date, has resulted in the deaths of more than twenty innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as the serious injury of 144 more, and the destruction of at least 28 family residences. The predictable retaliatory response has led to the evacuation of the areas bordering Gaza, sparking an escalating cycle of violence that has continued through several terrifying rounds.

‘The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem decries the indiscriminate use of force that has led to these tragedies, and calls upon the opposing parties to de-escalate hostilities and swiftly adopt a ceasefire.’