Published on 16 November 2023

How many killed is too many? 

An update on how Christian Aid have been advocating for a ceasefire in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. 

The killing and violence taking place across Gaza, Israel and the West Bank is shocking. In the face of conflict and tragedy we cannot remain still or silent. 

The situation is dire.  

In response we called on churches in the UK to pray, to give and to act.  

You did. And you continue to do so. Among prayers and donations, thousands of Christian Aid supporters joined us in calling for an end to the violence, signing our petition to the (then) Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.  

We joined their voices with those of supporters of CAFOD, Oxfam, Save the Children and Action Against Hunger, presenting over 300,000 signatures to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), demanding a ceasefire.    

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Campaigners stand outside the Foreign and Commonwealth office holding to deliver over 300,000 signatures calling for a ceasefire Credit: CAFOD
Campaigners stand outside the Foreign and Commonwealth office holding a banner reading Over 300,000 signatures call for a ceasefire

We stood in silent vigil outside the FCDO remembering all those killed, injured and held hostage. We bore witness to their stories and called for a ceasefire. 

We also gathered 28 leaders of churches and Christian organisations to sign a statement calling for a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and unfettered humanitarian access. 

Over recent weeks, working with fellow humanitarian and development organisations we’ve projected messages on to the Houses of Parliament, calling for a ceasefire.   

Just last week, as the death toll continued to rise, we shared a new message, asking ‘How many killed is too many?’ 

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"How many killed is too many" projected onto Parliament as part of Christian Aid's calls for a ceasefire Credit: Christian Aid
The phrase "How many killed is too many" projected onto the Houses of Parliament

As our director of policy and public affairs, Osai Ojigho says 

“Only an urgent ceasefire, the respect of international humanitarian law, humanitarian access and the release of hostages can stop the suffering across Gaza, the West Bank and Israel.   

“How many more lives will be lost, homes destroyed, and childhoods shattered before our political leaders see this is the case?  

We continue to push for a ceasefire. Join us in keeping up the pressure on the UK Government. 

Meanwhile our established partners in the region are responding as best they can. Please donate what you can.  

Your actions, your donations and your prayers make a huge difference to those affected.