Archbishop of Canterbury’s statement on the Middle East

Responding to the escalating violence in the Middle East, the Archbishop of Canterbury said today: 

“Please pray for the suffering people of Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. The monstrous violence and fear that so many are enduring is an affront to the God in whose image every person is made. It cannot go on. 

“As the region stands on the brink of catastrophe, my prayer is for immediate de-escalation and an end to the bloodshed and destruction. This can only be achieved through a ceasefire-hostage deal that creates possibilities for security, justice and peace for all. May God bring this time of spiralling violence across the Holy Land and Lebanon to an end.”