The general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, the Rev. Ishmael Noko, has condemned the killing of the spiritual leader of Hamas Sheikh Ahmed Yassin by the Israeli security forces. In a communiqué put out on 26 March, Noko also condemned the use of children that the Palestinians make to strike at civilian targets in Israel. “The situation in the Middle East writes Noko has reached an unprecedented degree of violence. The determination both of the government of Israel and of the Palestinian leaders to pursue violence rather than peace renders in effect impossible any initiative to secure peaceful co-existence in the Holy Land, historic home for all the children of Abraham”. The Lutheran Federation thus appeals to the international community to act “with determination” to implement the solution of the “two States” (i.e. The Roadmap Peace Plan) promoted by the USA, Russia, European Union and United Nations. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has also deplored the killing of the Hamas leader. “Through the targeted assassination of Sheikh Yassin the WCC says in a statement Israel has chosen to violate international law once again. This action fosters hatred and will likely lead to more bloodshed. It can neither ensure peace nor human security”.
