Statement from the IAC against the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine

Over the past week, the IAC has witnessed with horror and despair the escalation of attacks, loss of life and suffering inflicted on people across the Middle East.

The spillover of the Israel-Hamas war into the West Bank and countries in the surrounding region, including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Iran, is contributing to a dangerous escalation of conflict in the Middle East with unpredictable and far-reaching consequences. Civilians on all sides are, yet again, caught in the crossfire.

In light of these developments, the IAC Council appeals for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities by all parties and the pursual of diplomatic solutions in the name of peace; the respect of international humanitarian law requiring the protection of all civilians; the protection of all sites of cultural heritage. We express our unequivocal and constant support for all our members and the broader civilian populations in affected countries in the Middle East, who continue to bear the heaviest burden of the conflict.

We also extend this appeal to the ongoing war in Ukraine, standing in solidarity with its victims on both sides.

We call for an end to these devastating conflicts and urge all parties to commit to dialogue aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

As part of its mission and in the name of our shared humanity, the IAC remains steadfast in its commitment to the values of peace, the respect of human dignity, as well as the power of culture and dialogue to unite people across borders.