Vatican city: The Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, describing it as even more serious and tragic than a year ago. This statement comes in light of a devastating conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Cardinal Parolin, in an interview with Vatican media, emphasized the urgent need to recover a sense of reason, abandon the blind logic of hatred and revenge, and reject violence as a solution. He recognized the right of those attacked to defend themselves but highlighted that even legitimate defense must adhere to the principle of proportionality. The ongoing war, he noted, has led to disastrous and inhuman consequences, with a daily death toll in Palestine sometimes reaching hundreds, including many children who are innocent victims.
Cardinal Parolin expressed concern about the risk of desensitization to the carnage, where people are killed while searching for food, buried under rubble, or bombed in hospitals and camps. He condemned the reduction of human beings to mere ‘collateral damage’ and criticized the Israeli army’s disregard for targeting a largely defenseless population in Gaza. He pointed out the international community’s powerlessness and the failure of influential countries to act decisively to stop the massacre.
He further questioned the legitimacy of continuing to supply weapons used against civilians and highlighted the ineffectiveness of the United Nations in stopping the ongoing conflict. He urged international actors to do more to end the tragedy and to strengthen the role of the United Nations in resolving fratricidal wars worldwide.
Cardinal Parolin welcomed the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire and end the war, supporting any initiative that includes the Palestinian people in decisions about their future. He expressed hope that a genuine peace process could begin, as echoed by the Holy Father.
He also addressed the recognition of the State of Palestine by several countries, recalling the Holy See’s official recognition ten years ago with the Global Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. This agreement supports a just, comprehensive, and peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue, advocating for a Palestinian State that can coexist peacefully with its neighbors.
Cardinal Parolin concluded by pointing to the violent settler expansionism that threatens the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, urging a commitment to peace and security in the region.
