The actions are no longer defensive.
Bishops from the Church of England have publicly called for an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, asserting that Israel’s military actions have moved beyond self-defense and now constitute a campaign of aggression.
During a meeting held this week in York, the Church’s House of Bishops issued a formal statement condemning Israel’s blockade, which has restricted the delivery of essential food and medical supplies to Palestinians in Gaza.
“There is no justification for the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023,” the statement read. “Nations have the right to defend themselves under international law and to pursue justice against those responsible. However, based on Israel’s own declarations and behavior, it is evident this has ceased to be a defensive operation.”
The bishops emphasized the fundamental rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to live in safety and peace. They characterized the scale of suffering and devastation in Gaza as a moral outrage that violates the dignity of human life and disrupts the sanctity of creation.
They urged all involved to bring an end to the war and called on United Nations agencies to be granted full access to deliver humanitarian aid in line with international standards. The statement also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages and an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements, acts of settler violence, and the forced removal of Palestinian families from their homes.
The bishops expressed appreciation for Israeli voices advocating peace and supported the U.K. government’s decision to pause trade negotiations with Israel. They reiterated their solidarity with the Jewish community while condemning antisemitism, including the recent killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C.
In a gesture of support for those affected by the conflict, the bishops encouraged Anglican congregations to contribute to the Diocese of Jerusalem’s relief efforts, including the restoration of healthcare services and facilities at Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza.
“We are grateful for their resilience and faithful ministry during these dark times,” they said, inviting churches across the U.K. to join in prayer for peace.
The current war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on southern Israel from Gaza, an area it has controlled since 2007. The attack resulted in around 1,200 deaths—mostly civilians, including roughly 40 U.S. citizens—and over 250 hostages taken.
Israel responded with extensive air strikes and a ground invasion aimed at eliminating Hamas and rescuing hostages. While many Hamas fighters and leaders have been killed, the conflict has also led to widespread civilian casualties and mass displacement.
The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, claims over 53,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began. However, this figure is disputed, as the tally does not differentiate between combatants and civilians and has reportedly been revised downward in some instances.
On Wednesday, Israel allowed approximately 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza after over two months of blocking aid shipments. Yet, the World Food Program reported that the aid had not yet reached the civilian population.
Israel has accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian supplies for military purposes. In response to criticism from European allies, Israeli officials pointed to international laws that permit limiting aid if it may benefit enemy forces. During a 42-day truce, they noted, 25,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently echoed these concerns, accusing Hamas of intercepting aid. “They’re taking everything that’s brought in,” he stated. Still, he emphasized that humanitarian assistance must reach innocent civilians in Gaza.
Following these developments, Israel approved a plan for aid distribution through third-party organizations and private companies.
This week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is willing to consider a temporary pause in fighting to facilitate hostage releases. However, if no agreement is reached, he vowed to press forward with operations aimed at full control of Gaza. Netanyahu criticized Western leaders who, in his view, are pushing Israel to stop short of its strategic goals, effectively risking future attacks.
“The war began when Palestinian terrorists invaded our territory, killing over a thousand innocent people and kidnapping hundreds more,” Netanyahu said. “Israel supports President Trump’s vision and calls on European nations to do likewise. Peace is possible, but only if all hostages are freed, Hamas disarmed, and its leadership exiled.”
Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, also appealed for an end to the violence. During his first general audience at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed deep concern for Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
“I renew my call for humanitarian aid to be allowed in and for hostilities to cease,” he said. “It is the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and the sick—who are bearing the brunt of this tragedy.”