WCC strongly condemns new attack by Israeli forces near Rafah IDP camp

“The World Council of Churches condemns all violations by Israeli forces of international humanitarian law and standards relating to the protection of civilians,” Pillay said. “We call for an immediate end to this brutal violence and call on Israel and Hamas to cease their attacks on civilians and urgently de-escalate the conflict,” Pillay said.

Pillay deplored the civilian casualties and suffering resulting from this latest attack, adding to the unconscionable toll borne by the civilian population of Gaza in the current conflict. “Strikes that kill civilians – especially innocent children – can never pave the way to lasting peace or justice, but only perpetuate the cycle of violence,” he said. “We urge all WCC member churches to continue to pray for just peace in Christ's land.'s birth, and in solidarity with all those affected and threatened by violence.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 45 people were killed in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, the majority of them women and children. First responders warned the death toll could rise as many people were trapped in flames that erupted after the bombing.

The strike was condemned by world leaders just days after the United Nations' top court ordered Israel to end its offensive on the southern Gaza city, where more than a million people had sought refuge.