LONDON: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby called for the creation of humanitarian corridors and an end to the killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip during a visit to Jerusalem.
Speaking after delivering a sermon at the city’s St George’s Cathedral on Sunday, Mr Welby said: “Everything about bombing civilians is wrong. We called for a ceasefire and safe humanitarian routes.
“Everyone knows how difficult and chaotic war is. What is important is that the principle of just war and the principle of discrimination between combatants and non-combatants really need to be strictly adhered to. This means that there is.
“It’s hard to overstate how difficult it is in an urban environment, but also how necessary it is.”
Israel launched an operation in Gaza after Hamas militants killed more than 1,400 Israeli civilians and abducted hundreds more on October 7.
Authorities in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip claim 4,651 people have been killed by Israeli shelling of militant strongholds in Gaza City, including the Anglican-run al-Ahly hospital, and Israel claims Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket fire has killed 4,651 people. It is claimed that it is due to.
Places of worship, including the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius, were also damaged. “Bombing religious sites is wrong,” Welby added.
The archbishop joined religious leaders in Jerusalem in a statement calling for an end to Israeli airstrikes and the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.
“We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Church of Jerusalem, gather in prayer with our honored guest in Jerusalem, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and together with him we express in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of the Israeli people. .An airstrike exploded without warning on the grounds of St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church in Gaza.
“While condemning this latest attack on a sacred place of refuge, we cannot ignore that this is just the latest instance of innocent civilians being injured or killed as a result of missile attacks on other last resorts. .
“Nonetheless, we remain committed to fulfilling our sacred and moral obligation to provide aid, support and shelter to civilians who come to us in such dire need. ” the statement added.
After the service at St. George’s, Welby met with relatives of several Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
In a separate statement, he said: “I reiterate my appeal for the release of hostages and the protection of civilians. I join the international call for all parties to immediately and safely allow humanitarian access to Gaza to prevent further loss of life. join.
“In solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land, I once again pray for peace in Jerusalem. I am saddened that Israelis and Palestinians remain in grief and fear.
“It is unconscionable that aid is being blocked to children and adults who are not combatants in this war. Attacks on hospitals, schools and refugee camps are indefensible. Being detained is outrageous.
“The evil and heinous terrorist attack by Hamas against the Israeli people was a crime against God and humanity. There are rights and obligations.
“Israel’s bombing campaign against the densely populated Gaza Strip has caused numerous civilian casualties and suffering. The people of Gaza lack water, food, medicine and shelter,” Welby said. added.