Archbishop of Canterbury calls for end to Israeli occupation of Palestine

What Happened

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, and the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, issued a joint letter on Thursday calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The statement followed a five-day pastoral visit to the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, during which Mullally met with Palestinian families affected by settler violence, land seizure, and detention without trial. The archbishops characterized the current situation as a systemic crisis involving the expansion of settlements, the collapse of the health system in Gaza, and the displacement of indigenous Christian communities.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The intervention by the Church of England leadership highlights the growing international pressure regarding the humanitarian impact of the occupation and the rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank. It signals a potential shift in institutional policy, as the Church of England prepares to debate the review of its investment policies in the region, which could influence broader ecclesiastical and political discourse on the conflict.

Watch For

The upcoming General Synod of the Church of England, scheduled for next month, where members will debate a motion to review the institution's investment policies regarding the region.