A Critical Window of Hope in Gaza
Our hearts are filled with hope at the news that the beginnings of a peace deal have been reached. We implore you to pray with us now that this fragile window for peace will hold and become the foundation for a lasting, just peace for all Israelis and Palestinians.
Since Hamas’ mass killing and kidnapping of Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed through imposed starvation and indiscriminate attacks, including on hospitals, schools, shelters and places of worship. Prior to the October 7 attack, decades of violence and oppression have shaped the lives of all Palestinians — who have been denied basic rights, including self-determination — and of all Israelis.
Our prayer today, as it has been for many years, is for all Palestinians and Israelis to experience the fulness of peace, safety and dignity that we believe God desires for them.
Please join us in prayer that peace would take effect immediately, with all captives released, and that humanitarian access would be immediate and unhindered so the mercy of Christ can reach all those in critical need.
Our response so far
CLWR is proud to partner with Lutheran World Federation and DanChurchAid/Norwegian Church Aid (DCA/NCA) in Gaza and the West Bank, who have worked closely with Palestinian community organizations for decades.
During these last two years of war, CLWR’s partnership with DCA/NCA has provided critical support to over 52,000 people in Gaza, including through emergency food, clean water, hygiene supplies, shelter, and the restoration and construction of water and sanitation infrastructure.
In East Jerusalem, LWF Jerusalem operates Augusta Victoria Hospital, which has played a pivotal role in not just the West Bank but Gaza during this crisis, including through its support and supplies for the health care system in Gaza. Now, with the hope of peace, the hospital stands ready to increase its support to rebuild the health care system in Gaza and to receive patients from Gaza requiring specialized medical treatment. Through LWF Jerusalem, your support of CLWR has also enabled distribution of winter clothes, food parcels, blankets, and hygiene kits.
Critically, both DCA/NCA and LWF have been at the frontlines of providing trauma care for Palestinians — especially children — who have not known a day for many months without the sound of bombs.
October 10, 2025 update
CLWR is in regular communication with our partners as we watch for peace taking hold and the restoration of full humanitarian access. Once this access is restored, we will do everything possible to support our partners and allow them to rapidly scale up their efforts and will be appealing for support of Canadians.
In the meantime, please continue in prayer with us for a just peace, and give thanks this holiday weekend for the incredible dedication, resilience and compassion of our partners in Palestine
If you wish to make a gift now to support a response when access is restored, you can do so here or by calling 1-800-661-2597.
We ask you and your congregation to continue praying for those in Palestine and Israel who are affected by the violence, and for a just peace that can restore hope to the region.
Church resources
Watch this space for updated church resources very soon, including a bulletin announcement, insert, powerpoint slide and video resources for spreading the word.