Moderator welcomes Israel Palestine hostage release agreement
Published on 22 November 2023 1 minute read
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has welcomed the Israel Palestine agreement that will see a four-day pause in fighting and the release of 50 hostages.
The Moderator said:
"I read with a sense of great relief that an agreement had been reached to release some of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and to temporarily halt the use of force in Gaza.
"I hope this is a signal that one day soon all those innocent people seized on 7 October will be returned to their homes, and that a lasting peace can be brought about.
"My heart and prayers remain deeply concerned for all those caught up in this appalling situation, for the families, friends and loved ones who have experienced such unimaginable distress.
"Building a lasting peace will not be an easy task. I pray that the leaders of the world can come together to work for an end to all violence and hatred, and to support those who suffer and grieve at the hands of war and injustice. As people of faith, we in the Church must remain hopeful for a future which can be different to the past.
"We remember our Christian sisters and brothers who live in the Holy Land, for their witness for peace and care for their neighbours in these challenging circumstances. As we approach the season of Advent and the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, we hold to the hope that the light of love will grow and shine through the darkness."
