Pope Leo Urges End to Violence Against Palestinians in West Bank

Pope Leo, during the Angelus prayer at his Castel Gandolfo residence in Italy on August 16, called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This appeal comes amid increasing attacks by militant settlers and a siege in the village of Qusra.

Reports indicate that Israeli settlers have encircled homes, cutting off essential services like water and electricity, which rights groups claim is part of a strategy to expand their land control. The Pope emphasized the need for the international community to act towards achieving a two-state solution for lasting peace.

The Vatican has consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state, recognized by over 150 U.N. member states, which includes the Gaza Strip and West Bank, along with East Jerusalem. The current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been criticized for extensive settlement construction in the West Bank, which many view as undermining the possibility of a Palestinian state.