Pope Leo has called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as attacks by militant Israeli settlers and a siege of a Palestinian village intensify tensions in the territory.
Speaking after noon prayers at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, on Sunday, the Pope urged the international community to take action towards achieving a two-state solution.
“I renew my appeal for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank,” he said.
“I urgently ask the international community to take action so as to advance the two-state solution, for a fair and lasting peace.”
The appeal came amid growing concerns over violence in the West Bank, including a siege of the village of Qusra. Israeli settlers reportedly encircled Palestinian homes after cutting off water and electricity to the area.
Rights groups have described the actions as part of a broader effort to seize more Palestinian land in the territory, where Palestinians seek to establish an independent state.
The Vatican has long supported the creation of a Palestinian state. More than 150 of the 193 United Nations member states recognise Palestinian statehood, covering the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has overseen increased settlement construction in the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said the expansion is intended to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The United Nations and most governments regard Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law governing military occupation. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 Middle East war but maintains that its status is disputed rather than occupied.
