Church welcomes Israel Hamas ceasefire

"After more than a year of grief, loss and devastation, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is news that we welcome with cautious joy.

"We congratulate those who have been working publicly and behind the scenes to get to this point, and we pray that this signals the beginning of not only a permanent ceasefire and a lasting peace, but a peace which brings justice for all those involved.

"Acknowledging that the journey ahead is a long one, one that relies on agreement, trust and commitment from all parties, we hope that the release of hostages and prisoners progresses as fast as possible.

"The provision of humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza must also be prioritised as a matter of extreme urgency.

"We recognise that this ceasefire alone is not enough to bring about a just and lasting peace.

"There must be a fundamental shift in the wider context of Israel, Palestine, encompassing an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and with Palestinian self-determination.

"To this end, we again urge the UK Government to do all it can to support this process, including recognising the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel.

"Please continue to pray, in the weeks and months ahead, for all who strive to ensure that this promise of peace becomes a reality, and for everyone living with the consequences of such a horrendous and devastating conflict."

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson.

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.