Pope Francis says Israel, Palestine should live in peace as neighbors
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis on Sunday charged Israel and Palestine to live together as neighbors and stop threatening each other.
Pope Francis made the call at the Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican while addressing worshippers.
The pontiff warned that the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel by Iran could trigger a potential regional conflagration.
He said: “I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict.
“I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran’s intervention.
“No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security.”
The pontiff also urged the world to “help the population facing a humanitarian crisis” in Gaza, and called for “immediate release of the hostages kidnapped months ago” by Hamas.
