Monday, January 19, 2026

WCC news: WCC expresses deep concern about restrictions on humanitarian groups in Palestine

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern about recent measures by the state of Israel that restrict the ability of international humanitarian and faith-based organisations to operate in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The Middle East Council of Churches' Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) responds to the needs of people in Gaza, providing medical and psychosocial support.  Photo: DSPR. Parental permission granted for photos of minors.

19 January 2026

“At a time when humanitarian needs are overwhelming, any decision that limits the presence and work of these organisations risks direct and severe consequences for civilians, particularly children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those already displaced,” he said. “The reduction of humanitarian access inevitably translates into gaps in essential services, further eroding dignity, resilience, and hope among affected communities.”

Pillay noted that the devastating destruction of Gaza requires immense humanitarian support to rebuild community, and restrictions imposed on humanitarian organisations there would inhibit such endeavours. 

“The WCC affirms that humanitarian assistance to civilian populations is not discretionary but a core obligation under international humanitarian law,” he said. “Safeguarding humanitarian space is therefore essential to the protection of life and human dignity.”

Pillay called for constructive engagement and practical solutions that ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance and uphold the ability of longstanding humanitarian and faith-based organisations to continue serving people in need.

“The WCC remains committed to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people, and to standing in solidarity with communities whose survival and well-being depend on sustained humanitarian support,” he said.

Read the full statement

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The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

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