THE VATICAN, (PIC)
Pope Francis has condemned on Monday the Israeli targeting of hospitals, schools, and places of worship in the Gaza Strip, reiterating his emphasis on the need for a “two-state solution”.
Addressing diplomats at the Vatican during his annual meeting on New Year, the 87-year-old pontiff called for halting the attacks on civilians in world conflicts, including those in Gaza and Ukraine, noting that such “attacks are considered war crimes.”
Social media activists shared the moment the Israeli occupation army bombed and completely destroyed a mosque in Bani Suhaila, west of Khan Younis, which points to Israel’s systematic policy of deliberate destruction of mosques and churches in Gaza.
The Pope pointed out that the Israeli military aggression on Gaza has caused “an extremely serious humanitarian crisis and unimaginable suffering for civilians.”
He called for a ceasefire on all fronts including Lebanon and releasing captives in Gaza.
The Pope demanded humanitarian aid be immediately brought into Gaza, and to provide hospitals, schools, and places of worship with all necessary protection, appealing to the international community to work harder to achieve a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.
Pope Francis renewed his support for an internationally guaranteed special status for the city of Jerusalem, aiming for lasting peace and security.
Israeli occupation army has been waging a bloody war on Gaza since October 7, killing at least 22,835 people in the besieged coastal territory, and injuring more than 58,416, mostly women and children. The Israeli aggression has also caused massive destruction 77to infrastructure, leaving the people of Gaza with an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
