The WCC delegation receiving them on behalf of WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay included: Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace; Doug Chial, director of the WCC Office of the General Secretariat; Marianne Ejdersten, director of communication; and Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for peace building in the Middle East. Aghabekian provided an update on the urgent situation in the Holy Land, particularly the very alarming current situation for Christians. In 25 years, she noted, there will be no Christians left in the Holy Land. She underlined that international law must be respected in the Holy Land, and acknowledged the important role of the WCC and of churches across the world in being a moral voice for just peace. The Palestinian foreign ministers challenged the WCC and churches to speak up even more about the violation of human rights and the Palestinians’ right to their land, healthcare, education, and safety. In his welcoming remarks, Mtata expressed gratitude for the visit. “We gather with a profound sense of urgency and moral responsibility in light of the grave developments in the world today, and particularly in your context,” he said. “While a ceasefire has been announced in Gaza, we continue to receive troubling reports of casualties and ongoing suffering.” Mtata urged that a ceasefire must result in genuine protection, sustained humanitarian access, and the safeguarding of human life and dignity. “We are equally concerned for the Palestinian people in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where insecurity, restrictions, and deepening despair continue to shape daily life,” he said. “Our engagement is rooted in the conviction that every human being is created in the image of God and is therefore entitled to equal dignity, protection, and rights.” The WCC delegation also offered an update on the WCC’s ongoing engagement with the Holy Land, including the announcement of a new campaign, “From Condemnation to Consequences,” which will run 4-18 March, calling on states to hold Israel accountable for ending the illegal occupation of Palestine. In June, the WCC executive committee will convene in the Holy Land. Holy Land: consolidating efforts for justice and peace (February 2026) WCC general secretary meets Heads of Churches in Jerusalem (February 2026) WCC statement on restrictions on humanitarian groups in Palestine (January 2026) WCC Statement Seeking Hope For a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel (November 2025) Statement on Palestine and Israel: A Call to End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel (June 2025) Overview: WCC statements, news, and features on Palestine and Israel (1 Jan. 2023 - 31 December 2025) | 
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