Pope Leo calls for an end to violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank

Pope Leo today called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, at a time when attacks by Israeli settlers have increased and a siege has been reported in the village of Qusra.

Israeli settlers have surrounded several homes in Qusra after cutting off water and electricity supplies. Human rights groups have described it as a coordinated effort to seize more land and further take over the territory where Palestinians seek to establish a state.

“I renew my call for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank,” the Pope said, without referring to any specific confrontations or attacks.

“I urgently call on the international community to take action to advance the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace,” the Pope added after the midday prayers at his residence in Castel Gandolfo outside Rome.

The Vatican has long supported the idea of a future Palestinian state, which has been recognized by more than 150 of the 193 UN member states as a state encompassing the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.