Pope Leo has called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. His appeal came amid rising attacks by Israeli settlers and a siege in the village of Qusra.
The Pope made the remarks on Sunday after the noon prayers at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome.
He also urged the international community to take action. He said global efforts should focus on advancing a two-state solution and achieving lasting peace.
Pope Calls for End to Violence
Pope Leo renewed his appeal for an end to repeated violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
“I renew my appeal for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank,” the Pope said.
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He did not refer to any specific attack or confrontation in his remarks.
However, his comments came as Israeli settlers continued to encircle Palestinian homes in Qusra.
Rights groups have described the situation as part of wider efforts to seize Palestinian land.
Qusra Residents Face Siege
Israeli settlers have surrounded several homes in Qusra, according to reports.
The settlers reportedly cut off water and electricity to the affected homes. Palestinian residents have remained trapped inside the area.
The situation has drawn international concern. Israeli forces have also deployed in the village.
The recent developments come amid a broader rise in settler violence across the West Bank.
Pope Urges Two-State Solution
Pope Leo also called for stronger international action to support a political solution.
“I urgently ask the international community to take action so as to advance the two-state solution, for a fair and lasting peace,” he said.
The Vatican has long supported the creation of a Palestinian state.
More than 150 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine. The proposed Palestinian state includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem claimed as its capital.
Settlement Expansion Remains a Major Issue
Israel has controlled the West Bank since the 1967 war.
Most governments and the United Nations consider Israeli settlements in the territory illegal under international law.
Israel disputes that position. It says the status of the West Bank remains subject to negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a right-wing coalition government that has overseen further settlement expansion.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said the expansion aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
International Pressure Continues
Pope Leo’s statement adds to growing international concern over violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the situation in Qusra remains a focus of attention. International calls for restraint and political action have continued as tensions rise.
The Pope’s appeal also underlined the Vatican’s support for a negotiated settlement based on two states.
