The World Council of Churches’ (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has expressed his “deep distress” at the current escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel.

The WCC head has made a call to the international community “to take bold and novel actions to uphold international law and break the vicious cycle of violence" in the region. Both parties should engage in "equitable negotiations.”

Dr Kobia recognised Israel’s right “to ensure security for its citizens”, but nevertheless called on the Israeli government “to refrain from using excessive military force and immediately open equitable negotiations to find a permanent solution through ending the illegal occupation and securing a just peace.”

Also addressing the Palestinian leadership, Dr Kobia urged that they should “also continue to seek a platform for equitable negotiations and hold to the one-party ceasefire and a diplomatic solution.”