The Pope expressed his deep sorrow over the “deaths and injuries” caused by the Israeli occupation army on the border of the Gaza Strip, stressing his solidarity with them.

He called for an end to “violence” in the Holy Land and the beginning of a dialogue, the Vatican’s official website Vatican News reported today.

 

“I am very concerned about the escalating violence in the Middle East and in the Holy Land, which causes further deviation from the path of peace, dialogue and negotiation,” the Pope said.

 

He added: “I feel very sad for the deaths and injuries and stand by those who suffer and I’m praying for them.”

 

“I repeat once again that violence will never lead to peace,” he said, stressing that “war and violence will produce nothing but more war and violence.

 

“The Pope called on all concerned parties and the international community to renew their commitments in order to achieve dialogue, peace and justice in the Middle East.

 

Over the past two days, 63 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire and tear gas in the besieged Gaza Strip. The Palestinians were protesting against the US embassy move to Jerusalem and calling for the end of the 11-year siege on the Strip and their right of return to the homes their families were expelled from to make way for the formation of the state of Israel.

 

 

 

Source: Middle East Monitor