Religious leaders and government call for unity

Religious leaders and the government have called for unity in Jersey

Jersey's religious leaders have joined the Chief Minister in calling for "co-operation, not confrontation" in regard to the Israel and Gaza conflict.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

Health officials say at least 3,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes.

A joint statement was released by Deputy Kristina Moore, the Dean of Jersey The Very Reverend Mike Keirle, Mr Stephen Regal, the President of the Jersey Jewish Congregation, and Dr Sarfraz Jamali, leader of Jersey’s Muslim community.

The members said they wanted to confirm the commitment of all communities in Jersey to peace.

The statement said: "Today we are here to gather together in unanimity and harmony, hopefully to in some small way contribute to and influence future events, preserve the sanctity of life and support humanity.

"We need to reflect and each of us pray that the Jersey way is co-operation, not confrontation.

"We can thus demonstrate that faith leaders can be influenced by the divinity that connects us, not by the politics that might divide us.

"We continue to remember all those who suffer in the current conflict.”