Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Embrace has repeatedly joined with other Christian charities, Christian leaders and others across the world in calling for an immediate ceasefire, for the release of hostages and for unimpeded humanitarian access to the whole of Gaza. Last week, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Anglican Bishop of Southwark, recently returned from a visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank, added his voice to this call:

“The desperate and devastating cost of the war in Gaza was evident in every conversation – and it is abundantly clear that the heaviest price is being paid by the most vulnerable. I’m clear that continued military action will only intensify this humanitarian catastrophe and make the prospects for peace more distant. As a religious leader, I add my voice to those calling for the release of the hostages and prisoners, and an immediate ceasefire to end this appalling suffering.”

Bishop Christopher’s visit was coordinated by our friend Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College in Jerusalem. In a statement following his visit, Bishop Christopher highlighted the fragile situation he had witnessed there and called for an end to the occupation:

“My visit to Ramallah underscored the importance of not allowing the war in Gaza to eclipse the suffering of the Palestinian people who struggle with the daily injustices of Israel’s occupation. I share the fear of many I spoke to that decisions taken by the Israeli government since 7 October risk spiralling the West Bank deeper into violence. Israel must not become its own worst enemy, but look to negotiate an end to the occupation of the various Palestinian territories on terms that will ensure the flourishing of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

During his visit, he heard from church leaders from Nazareth, Ramallah and Jerusalem, including Bishop Hosam the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and bishops from the Armenian Orthodox Church.

“Our brothers and sisters in Christ outlined a very grave situation – one not just of war in Gaza, but ongoing discrimination, harassment and abuse in Israel, the West Bank and Occupied East Jerusalem. It is important that we listen intently to what they are saying, uphold them in our prayers and offer whatever practical support we can to sustain them in their discipleship, mission and ministry where it is becoming increasingly difficult to be Church.”

He also visited Embrace partner The Princess Basma Centre and spoke with individuals from civil society organisations, including Daniel Munayer, Executive Director of our partner Musalaha.

“It was humbling to listen to the great pain being felt in Jewish and Palestinian communities. No one I met professed easy solutions, but each showed a determination and commitment to taking whatever steps they can – however provisional – towards a future which allows for the human flourishing and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. Such individuals need our prayers and support.”

You can read Bishop Christopher’s statement in full here.