World Council of Churches head condemns attacks in Gaza and Yemen
[World Council of Churches] World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay expressed deep alarm and grief over the deadly attack on Gaza carried out by Israeli forces March 17-18, killing more than 400 people, as well as airstrikes by the United States in Yemen.
“We unequivocally condemn this unnecessary re-escalation of violence, which has led to more deaths and further suffering for innocent civilians, including women and children,” he said about Gaza. “As a fellowship of churches committed to justice and peace, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.”
Pillay also said the people of Yemen, like those in Gaza, deserve security, dignity and the opportunity to live free from fear and violence.
“We also strongly condemn the recent U.S. airstrikes on Yemen, which have further destabilized the region and inflicted additional suffering on an already vulnerable population,” he said. “Military action cannot be a path to peace; rather, it exacerbates humanitarian crises and deepens cycles of conflict.”
Read Pillay’s full statement here.
