Document
The World Council of Churches (WCC) welcomes with profound relief the initial implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, bringing an essential respite to the people of Gaza after months of devastating conflict, and hope to the families of remaining hostages.
The WCC recognizes this cessation of hostilities as a necessary and hopeful first step, while also acknowledging its fragility and the uncertainty of the transitional period ahead. The scale of suffering and destruction has been catastrophic, leaving deep physical, psychological, and moral scars. The people of Gaza, in particular, continue to face immense hardship — their homes destroyed, their communities displaced, and their future uncertain, even as the guns fall silent.
The WCC emphasizes that the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law must guide all next steps. Any governance arrangements must ensure the meaningful participation of Palestinians, uphold their right to remain on their land, and guarantee that the reconstruction and recovery process serves the principles of dignity, equity, and self-determination, rather than dependency, exclusion, or permanent occupation.
While the immediate priority is to address the urgent humanitarian needs, rebuilding Gaza must go beyond the restoration of infrastructure. It must seek to rebuild trust, restore human security, and lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development.
The WCC prays that this ceasefire will not only bring an end to active hostilities but will open a credible pathway toward a just and lasting peace, grounded in international law, accountability, and the recognition that every person—Israeli and Palestinian alike—has the right to live in safety, dignity, and hope.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches