25/06/2026 22:38 - Internacionales
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, publicly called for the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine after completing a five-day pastoral visit to the region. In a joint letter with Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, she urged Anglicans worldwide to pressure politicians to "take all necessary measures to establish a credible path toward ending the occupation."
The document, published on June 25, 2026, states that this solution must lead to a viable Palestinian state allowing Israelis and Palestinians to "live in peace, dignity, and security." Additionally, it proposes that Jerusalem's status be determined through negotiation as a shared capital.
During her pilgrimage, Mullally witnessed firsthand the "immense difficulties" faced by Palestinians:
Olive trees symbolize the deep roots of Palestinian Christians in the land.
The letter describes three distinct realities:
In Israel:
Society and politics transformed by intensified sensitivity following the atrocious attacks of October 7.
In the West Bank:
Uncontrolled settler violence, forced displacement, systematic discrimination, and expansion of checkpoints. "Annexation is already happening de facto," they warned.
In Gaza:
The healthcare system is in "catastrophic collapse." The international community has a moral responsibility to alleviate suffering.
Mullally preached at St. Peter's Church in Birzeit, West Bank, where she mentioned that Jesus lived under foreign occupation, establishing a historical parallel with the current situation of Palestinians.
Religious leaders expressed concern about the future of the Palestinian Christian presence in the Holy Land, which dates back to the time of Jesus. "When many Palestinian Christians leave, olive trees are a symbol of their deep roots in this land," Mullally affirmed.
Important note: The General Synod of the Church of England will debate a motion next month to review investment policies in the region. The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, indicated the debate will address "justice and human dignity for all."
Military occupation refers to the effective control of a territory by foreign forces without legitimate sovereignty over it. The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. According to international law, settler settlements in occupied territories are considered illegal.
Source: The Guardian
Alfredo S. Quiroga
