The Interreligious Council of Albania, comprising Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania; the leader of the Albanian Sunni Muslim Community of Albania Bujar Spahiu; the president of the Albanian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and current Council president for 2025, Gjergj Meta; the head of the Bektashi Order Edmond Brahimaj; and Pastor Ergest Biti of the Evangelical Church, issued a statement addressing the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for an immediate end to the war and the release of all hostages.
The Council urged an end to violence and emphasized “the need to guarantee the protection of innocent civilians’ lives, especially women and children, who are the main victims of this conflict.”
“The forced displacement of populations, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and destruction of essential infrastructure can in no way be justified and constitute a grave violation of human dignity,” the statement said.
It further stressed: “In the spirit of interreligious solidarity and the moral responsibility that religion carries, the Interreligious Council of Albania affirms that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mercy, and mutual respect. We call on world leaders, international institutions, and all people of goodwill to intensify efforts to end the conflict, provide immediate humanitarian assistance, and pave the way for a just and lasting peace.”
By Fr. Ilias Makos
