Church of Scotland Urges End to Israeli Violence

The Church of Scotland has backed calls by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) calling for a halt to Israeli violence in Gaza.

The statement made by the convener of the Church and Society Council, Morag Mylne, on behalf of the Kirk’s World Mission and Church and Society, also supported the calls from the WCC and MECC for the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier.

“More recently, the escalation in attacks and the spread of fear cause us deep concern and anguish. The Kirk has a long history of engagement with the Israel/Palestine question and believes that negotiation, rather than violence, can be the only way to a resolution,” she said.

“If that process is to be a reality it is necessary for both sides to develop trust and draw back from a cycle of destructive behaviour in which they continue to be engaged.”