CHURCH leaders in Wales have appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and called for more support to address the humanitarian needs of civilians.

In a letter signed by a number of leading clergy including the Archbishop of Wales Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, are urging the UK Government’s Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond to take decisive action to help bring a ceasefire and an investigations into attacks on civilians and monitoring of the human rights situation.

It states: "In the face of the horrific conflict in Gaza, we have witnessed concern by communities across Wales over the past fortnight in the organising vigils and solidarity marches. Welsh communities are feeling powerless when confronted with harrowing stories and figures being released about the conflict.

"As church and other faith group leaders in Wales we are calling for an immediate ceasefire. We are strongly opposed to the ongoing conflict and are concerned for security of Israeli and Palestinian civilians alike, condemning escalating violence by all sides. We believe we have a moral obligation to help the poor and vulnerable whose lives are being devastated by this terrible conflict and urge the people of Wales to support efforts to tackle the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and call for lasting peace and justice across the region."

Other signatories include Revd Meirion Morris, General Secretary, The Presbyterian Church of Wales, Revd Peter M. Thomas, General Secretary, Baptist Union of Wales, Revd Dr Geraint Tudur, General Secretary, Union of Welsh Independents, Revd Simon Walkling, Moderator of the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales, Major Derek Jones, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army , Ros Morley, Meeting of Friends in Wales (Quakers) and Revd Dr Stephen Wigley, Chair of the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church in Wales.

For more details on the appeal, how to donate and how to petition for ceasefire visit: www.christianaid.org.uk or Text HELP to 70007 to give £5.