Senior Church of England Bishops Accuse UK Government of Inaction Amid Israel’s West Bank Policies
After visiting Palestinian communities, Church leaders warn UK failure to act is enabling de facto annexation in the occupied territories
Three senior bishops from the Church of England have issued a forceful critique of the United Kingdom government’s response to developments in the occupied West Bank, warning that official inaction has contributed to what they describe as Israel’s de facto annexation of the territory.
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek of Gloucester and the Rt Revd Graham Usher of Norwich spoke after a recent visit to Palestinian Christian communities in the West Bank, where they heard accounts of intensifying restrictions, violence and economic hardship.
In a letter published following their trip, the bishops described their ‘‘incredulity’’ that the British government has yet to publish its formal legal response to a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which called for an end to Israel’s occupation and underscored breaches of international law.
They said that in the absence of a clear stance from London, a ‘‘culture of impunity’’ has taken root that they argue Israel has used to advance administrative measures, expand settlements, increase military and settler violence, and impose infrastructure restrictions that affect access to water, electricity and essential services.
The bishops — who have previously called for stronger UK action on settler violence, sanctions and legal accountability — said many Palestinians they met feel ‘‘forced to leave or to die standing’’ amid what they view as systematic inequalities and a tightening regime of control.
They urged the UK and wider international community to uphold obligations under international law by addressing the ICJ opinion and taking steps ‘‘not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence’’ in the occupied territory.
Their intervention adds to a sustained Church of England engagement with the conflict and reflects ongoing concern about the humanitarian and legal implications of settlement expansion in the West Bank.
While the UK government has publicly condemned settlement growth alongside European partners, critics say that concrete action, including publication of its legal position and measures to uphold human rights standards, remains overdue.
The bishops stressed that meaningful engagement and accountability are essential to averting further deterioration in the prospects for peace and justice for all communities in the region.
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek of Gloucester and the Rt Revd Graham Usher of Norwich spoke after a recent visit to Palestinian Christian communities in the West Bank, where they heard accounts of intensifying restrictions, violence and economic hardship.
In a letter published following their trip, the bishops described their ‘‘incredulity’’ that the British government has yet to publish its formal legal response to a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which called for an end to Israel’s occupation and underscored breaches of international law.
They said that in the absence of a clear stance from London, a ‘‘culture of impunity’’ has taken root that they argue Israel has used to advance administrative measures, expand settlements, increase military and settler violence, and impose infrastructure restrictions that affect access to water, electricity and essential services.
The bishops — who have previously called for stronger UK action on settler violence, sanctions and legal accountability — said many Palestinians they met feel ‘‘forced to leave or to die standing’’ amid what they view as systematic inequalities and a tightening regime of control.
They urged the UK and wider international community to uphold obligations under international law by addressing the ICJ opinion and taking steps ‘‘not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence’’ in the occupied territory.
Their intervention adds to a sustained Church of England engagement with the conflict and reflects ongoing concern about the humanitarian and legal implications of settlement expansion in the West Bank.
While the UK government has publicly condemned settlement growth alongside European partners, critics say that concrete action, including publication of its legal position and measures to uphold human rights standards, remains overdue.
The bishops stressed that meaningful engagement and accountability are essential to averting further deterioration in the prospects for peace and justice for all communities in the region.
