Statement on Gaza and Peace in the Middle East

Source: Blog, Official Statement

August 4, 2025

In Gaza, deliberately caused starvation has placed 500,000 people at immediate risk, amid the killing of over 50,000 and the continued displacement of 2.1 million, which is 90% of the population. Horrendous human suffering and violations of human rights continue unabated. Houses of worship, schools, homes, and additional infrastructure, including 94% of hospitals in Gaza, are severely damaged or destroyed.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions calls for an end to the agony in Gaza and a lasting peace in the Middle East with a permanent resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict through the sustained implementation of a two-state solution.

Today, we call for:

• An immediate ceasefire and end to violence on all sides
• Delivery of food and water to all people in need with their safety ensured
• Delivery of crucial medicine, health care, fuel and other necessities to all people in need
• The release of all hostages and bodies of deceased hostages
• An end to all blockades and obstructions to aid delivery with channels of supply kept open and protected
• The uninterrupted work of humanitarian organizations without interference

We support the critical influence of local religious and civic leaders of goodwill in the region in shaping a sustainable future. In addition, we call for individuals and communities of goodwill everywhere to render immediate financial and other material assistance to the organizations listed below, and/or others of equal reputation:

• Gaza Soup Kitchen
• Jews for Food Aid
• Al Ahli Arab Hospital

Towards a Global Ethic is the guiding document of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which includes our core conviction that “Every human being … possesses an inalienable and untouchable dignity. And everyone, the individual as well as the state, is obligated to honor this dignity and protect it.”

This conviction is echoed in the New York Declaration, adopted at a high-level meeting at the United Nations on July 30th and signed by the 22 members of the Arab League, all members of the European Union and numerous additional countries. The Declaration includes the first official condemnation by Arab countries of the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 civilians, and calls for Hamas to disarm and to end its rule in Gaza.

The New York Declaration explicitly calls for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, reconstruction under the Palestinian Authority, and stabilization through a possible temporary UN mission as well as implementation of the two-state solution.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is an international interfaith organization associated to the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Our mission is to bring into being a world of peace, justice and sustainability through interfaith harmony and cooperation and partnership with the guiding institutions of society. We welcome adherents of all religions, spiritual paths and ethical convictions. This statement does not officially represent the views of any religion.

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The Parliament of the World’s Religions

“There is a principle which is found and has persisted in many religious and ethical traditions of humankind for thousands of years: What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do to others. Or in positive terms: What you wish done to yourself, do to others! This should be the irrevocable, unconditional norm for all areas of life, for families and communities, for races, nations, and religions.

Earth cannot be changed for the better unless the consciousness of individuals is changed.

Together we can move mountains! Without a willingness to take risks and a readiness to sacrifice there can be no fundamental change in our situation! Therefore, we commit ourselves to a common global ethic, to better mutual understanding, as well as to socially beneficial, peace-fostering, and Earth-friendly ways of life. We invite all men and women, whether religious or not, to do the same.”

—Towards A Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration Signature document of the Parliament of the World’s Religions