THE WCC CALLED ON "ALL MEMBERS TO RESPECT AND APPLY THE DECISION OF THE ICJ" WHEN THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE SESSION BEGINS.
Jerusalem skyline, photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
The Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, marked January 11 as a "pivotal moment for justice and the rule of law" during a public hearing on allegations against the state of Israel of violations of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
Pillay stated, "The process initiated by South Africa presents a robust account of the catastrophic impact of the ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza on the entire Palestinian civilian population of the territory and legitimately demands an immediate decision by the ICJ." Pillay reaffirms the WCC's many calls to respect and implement the ICJ's decision.
The WCC secretary-general has consistently supported a thorough investigation since the beginning of the conflict in response to distressing reports of targeted attacks on hospitals, places of worship, civilian communities, and other civilian infrastructure.
Pillay also stated that the WCC sees the current ICJ proceedings as a "critical opportunity" to steer events toward peace and respect for international law.
"This is the moment to lay down arms and engage in a meaningful negotiated resolution to the longstanding Palestinian issue, which has not been resolved for more than 75 years. "The aspirations of the WCC are for a future in which equality, freedom, and security exist for all people in the region and in which human rights and the sanctity of life are respected and upheld for all," she said. or trust.
"We pray that this judicial process becomes a catalyst for such a transformation," Pillay said.
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