“We have called repeatedly for an end to the war in Gaza, that the hostages and prisoners be released, and that unfettered aid reach those in need”. These are the opening words of a statement issued by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic Primate of England and Wales; Archbishop Stephen Cottrell of York, leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion; and the most prominent Christian leaders in the UK. The statement calls for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages and prisoners. In their message, published on the eve of the Day of Prayer for the Holy Land to be celebrated on Sunday, Christian religious leaders – including Anglican Archbishop of Wales Cherry Vann, Quaker movement leaders Adwoa Burnley and Will Haire, and Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas – call on the international community to ensure that Israel upholds its legal responsibility to protect civilians. Christian leaders in the UK also praise the Churches of the Holy Land for their commitment and witness. They pray especially for the clergy and nuns at the Holy Family parish and the Greek compound of Saint Porphyrius, and for the Baptist Church in Gaza and the Anglican Al Ahli Hospital, remembering the important work they do for civilians. The message ends with an invitation to the Christian Churches not to “despair, but to join with us in praying for an end to this war” so that we, Christians, may “deepen our own relationship with one another and in turn with Christ”.