Vatican, SANA – Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians, underscoring the urgent need to facilitate humanitarian aid in line with international law.
Speaking at his weekly audience in the Vatican, the Pope urged all parties and the international community “to protect civilians, halt collective punishment, and prevent the indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement.” He stressed: “Today I make a strong appeal for an end to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much horror, destruction, and death.”
The Pope also endorsed a joint statement by the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, which called for an end to the war, an end to the cycle of violence, and prioritizing the common good.
Meanwhile, Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy UN Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, warned the UN Security Council that Gaza is facing “catastrophic” conditions after 22 months of conflict, citing rising casualties, mass displacement, and famine. He also highlighted escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, stressing the urgent need to revive a political process toward a two-state solution.
Nawal/ Manar
