Statement: LWF Council Statement on Justice and Peace in Palestine
The Lutheran World Federation Council, meeting under the theme ‘Be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith’ – (Rom.1:12), issues the following statement:
Erklärung des LWB
Date 15 June 2026
FOUNEX, Switzerland
The Council is gravely concerned by Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories, expansion of settlements, settler violence, attacks on churches and religious sites, and military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. These actions violate International Law and numerous United Nations resolutions.
The Council is deeply concerned by arbitrary use of administrative detention without charge or trial, and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. The Council joins the call of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land in appealing for the release of Natalie Abu Dayyeh and other Palestinians who are imprisoned without due process. The Council is further concerned by the ongoing threat to Christian presence in the Holy Land and the Middle East region.
The Council reiterates its solidarity with all those who suffer in the Holy Land and prays for the bereaved, wounded, the displaced, and all who live in fear. The Council reaffirms its commitment to accompany the Palestinian people affected by violence and occupation, in the pursuit of justice, peace, reconciliation, and in affirmation of our shared humanity.
The Council recognizes and affirms the courageous witness and ministries of the leaders and the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The Council also gives thanks for the work of the LWF Jerusalem Program, including the Augusta Victoria Hospital, for the humanitarian assistance, medical care, and vocational training that it provides to the Palestinian people.
The Council calls for:
- The withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza.
- The end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, the annexation of land and settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- Unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and all affected areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, protection of civilians in accordance with international law, evacuation of patients requiring critical medical care, and a humanitarian corridor to be opened to enable access to medical treatment.
- Renewed, stronger, and more meaningful engagement by the international community to advance the two-state solution for Palestine and Israel and to ensure justice, peace, and accountability.
- The Government of Israel to ensure that all prisoners and detainees are treated in full accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
- Support for initiatives of faith based and civil society actors in Palestine and Israel who are already working for peaceful coexistence and reconciliation of people of different ethnic, religious or national affiliation.
