The call for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestine has echoed through the halls of Westminster for years, but yesterday it came from a most unexpected – and respected – voice: that of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In a damning indictment of the current status quo, Sarah Mullally declared her support for a two-state solution, stating that nothing short of this would bring lasting peace to the region.
During her five-day visit to Palestine, Mullally met with those who have been left scarred by settler violence and detention without trial. The stark realities she witnessed are set out in a joint letter with Hosam Naoum, the Anglican archbishop of Jerusalem, which calls on politicians worldwide to take immediate action.
The letter reads: 'This must lead to a viable two-state solution enabling Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity and security. Jerusalem's status should be determined through negotiation as a shared capital.' The Archbishop's intervention has sparked hopes that the UK government will reassess its stance on this deeply entrenched issue.
Mullally and Naoum also highlighted the crisis facing the indigenous Christian Palestinian population, who are fighting for their very survival in the Holy Land. They also drew attention to the collapse of Gaza's health system – a humanitarian disaster that cannot be ignored by those with the power to act.
The Archbishop's visit follows a motion to review investment policies in the region, which will be debated at the Church of England's annual assembly next month. This is just one example of how faith leaders are pushing politicians to confront the harsh realities on the ground and to take concrete action towards a lasting peace.