After 100 days of war in Gaza

For immediate release 15 January 2024.

After 100 days of war in Gaza, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is deeply concerned that there is no solution on the horizon.

The toll on human life and the suffering has been immense. Since 7 October, more than 25,000 lives have been lost, tens of thousands have been injured. Nearly 2 million people, 85% of the population in Gaza, have been displaced, and around 45 percent of homes in Gaza have been destroyed. Over 150 Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza.

The rise of violence in the West Bank and other parts of Palestine is extremely disturbing and has led to an overall deterioration of the situation in the region.

The LWF is further concerned about the wave of vicious hate speech that is spreading antisemitism, islamophobia, as well as dehumanizing narratives about Palestinians.

The human cost of this war is unbearable, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The impact of the fighting on people and infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, roads, places of worship and other public facilities is staggering.

The fact that the war continues unabated is an indictment of the warring parties and of the international community, which has failed to secure a long-term ceasefire and find a pathway towards a solution.

Millions of people across the world, including politicians, activists and church leaders, have expressed a collective call for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, de-escalation of the war, respect for International Humanitarian Law and a peaceful resolution. These have been largely ignored by both Israel and Hamas.

Another hundred days of war would lead to unimaginable suffering. The time is now to implement a ceasefire that can lead to just peace. The cost of continued hostilities is unacceptable for everyone.

The LWF strongly urges the international community and other stakeholders to work vigorously towards a lasting solution to the current war and to the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. The two-state solution is the only viable route to peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine, where differences can be resolved through diplomacy and not violence, international law is respected, and people can live together in peace.

The Lutheran World Federation is a global communion of 150 churches in the Lutheran tradition, representing over 77.5 million Christians in 99 countries. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication and the various aspects of mission and development.