The Council for World Mission (CWM) is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the escalating violence affecting Gaza and Lebanon. This conflict has tragically claimed the lives of over 51,000 Palestinians in Gaza and over 2,000 in Lebanon while displacing approximately two million Gazans and one million Lebanese. The devastation to lives, homes, and essential infrastructure deeply saddens us and calls for immediate action rooted in compassion, justice, and humanitarian principles. Moreover, we are extremely concerned about the shifting political landscape in the United States and the continuous silence of other global political actors amidst the unfolding genocide in Gaza.
Our solidarity lies with all innocent people impacted by this crisis—especially those in Gaza, Lebanon, and even Israel—who are caught in this wave of suffering and loss. Every form of violence, be it airstrikes, rocket attacks, or ground offensives, only perpetuates the suffering and prolongs a cycle of pain and devastation.
We demand an immediate ceasefire from all parties and prioritise humanity by allowing unrestricted humanitarian support into Gaza and Lebanon. This immediate access to critical aid—food, water, medical supplies, and shelter—is essential for preserving life and alleviating the suffering of countless innocent civilians. We urge all parties involved—Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and others—to commit to dialogue and negotiation as the only viable path to lasting peace and affirming life.
We strongly condemn the United States and European governments for their unchecked arms support to Israel. By providing advanced weaponry without stringent oversight, these nations are complicit in the ongoing suffering and destruction faced by countless civilians in Gaza and Lebanon. We call for an immediate halt to such arms transfers and urge these governments to instead focus on promoting peace and stability through diplomatic means.
We condemn the Western media outlets for their biased reporting, selective coverage, and misleading narratives, often framing or manipulating the situation in a manner that obscures the deeper historical and socio-political complexities. We condemn them for propagating stereotypes about Palestinians and justifying the violence. Their failure to provide balanced perspectives, highlighting the suffering of innocent people, or challenging the power dynamics makes them complicit in perpetrating the violence.
We call upon the United Nations and other international organisations to enhance their peacemaking initiatives by utilising their influence to convene all relevant stakeholders and to facilitate a meaningful and enduring resolution to the ongoing conflict. Additionally, we strongly encourage the global community to maintain solidarity in providing humanitarian assistance while prioritising diplomatic efforts that foster peace and safeguard the lives of vulnerable populations in the Middle East.
We encourage Christian leaders to break their silence on the injustices in the Middle East and resist all forms of Christian Zionism. We call upon global churches and faith communities to join us in prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the region. We also pray for the victims of this conflict, especially the women, children, and the most vulnerable, that they may overcome this catastrophe and find comfort amidst the turmoil.
As Christians prepare to enter the season of Advent, we are reminded of its profound message of peace and affirmation of life. This sacred time calls us to be peacemakers in a world fraught with conflict and foster hope for a future where peace reigns. We hold firm in our belief that peace is possible through compassion and solidarity, even in the deepest divisions.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
(Luke 1:78-79)
