The House of Bishops of the Church of England has declared that Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute a “war of aggression” and can no longer be considered defensive.

The statement, according to the Christian Post, released during a meeting in York, marks a strong critique of the ongoing conflict, describing the bombardment and blockade of Gaza as a “grave sin that violently assaults God-given human dignity.”

This position reflects growing concern within the Church about the humanitarian toll of the war and its broader implications for peace in the region.

The bishops’ statement emphasizes the moral urgency of addressing the conflict, calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, and concerted efforts to secure “security, justice, and peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”

The collective stance underscores the Church’s commitment to advocating for human dignity and reconciliation, with the bishops pledging to pray and work toward these goals.

The statement has been widely circulated, with figures such as the Bishop of Southwark commending its importance and urging support for its objectives.

The Church’s characterization of the war as aggressive rather than defensive points to a shift in perspective, highlighting concerns over the scale and nature of Israel’s military operations.

The blockade and bombardment have drawn international scrutiny for their impact on Gaza’s civilian population, with reports of widespread suffering and infrastructure devastation.

By framing the conflict in such stark moral terms, the Church of England joins a chorus of voices calling for accountability and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions.

This statement is not without controversy, as it may provoke varied reactions from different communities.

The Church’s call for peace and justice seeks to balance the need for security for all parties while condemning actions it deems disproportionate.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the bishops’ words serve as a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and humanitarian action to address the ongoing crisis.