WCC general secretary Jerry Pillay reiterated that the WCC has repeatedly called for an end to the occupation; for justice, peace, and equal human rights and dignity for all; and for recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The statement noted that the death toll now surpassed 36,000 people, over two-thirds of them children and women; more than 83% of the population displaced; and the complete destruction of medical, educational and other civilian infrastructure, with more than 50% of homes destroyed, leaving over one million people homeless.