World Student Christian Federation (WSCF)
Statement – 26 May 2025
“No Peace Without Justice: End the Genocide in Palestine”
As this statement is being written, the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza, is undergoing relentless bombardment by the Israeli military. On 24 May 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a binding order requiring Israel to immediately halt its military operations in Rafah and to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide*.
Despite this legally binding decision, military actions have continued. On 26 May 2025, an Israeli airstrike struck the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza, which was serving as a shelter for displaced civilians, resulting in at least 36 deaths, most of them women and children**.
As a global ecumenical Christian student movement, we believe that neutrality is a form of complicity in the face of structural injustice. Our Christian faith demands that we speak truth, act boldly, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed.
We call for:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire, and full implementation of the ICJ’s ruling;
- An end to the siege of Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian access;
- The protection of all civilians, with special attention to women, children, and internally displaced persons;
- The suspension of all military and economic cooperation with the State of Israel until the occupation and apartheid regime are dismantled;
- Active support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign as a legitimate and nonviolent means of international accountability;
- A just and lasting peace built on justice, truth, and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
The World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) joins the urgent call issued by Global Kairos for Justice on 8 May 2025, which appeals to churches and people of faith around the world to affirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and to uphold international law in the face of continued and flagrant violations***.
From all corners of the world, our student Christian communities remain committed to prophetic action, radical hope, and the accompaniment of those who suffer. We believe that Christian witness must never be silent in the face of genocide.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
— Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Marcelo Leites, WSCF General Secretary
Serena Tiburtini, WSCF Global Program Coordinator for Peace, Youth and Security
Melissa Bridi, WSCF Middle East Regional Secretary
*International Court of Justice (ICJ). “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) – Order of 24 May 2024.” https://www.icj-cij.org/node/
**The Guardian. “Israeli airstrike kills dozens at Gaza school used as shelter – latest updates.” 26 May 2025 https://www.theguardian.com/
***Global Ministries / Global Kairos for Justice. “A Global Call to Affirm and Uphold Palestinian Rights and the Rule of International Law.” 8 May 2025. GKJ Global Call
