Christians at St Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza City. (Photo: Holy Family Church, Gaza)Church leaders in the UK have issued an urgent appeal for the war in Gaza to end, saying that the "deadly escalation is futile and must stop”. The joint statement has been signed by dozens of leaders from across different denominations and traditions. They call for an end to the war and the release of all remaining hostages and prisoners. The Church leaders conclude, "In these violent and dark days, we invite our churches not to despair, but to join with us in praying for an end to this war – to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps.