Pope Leo has called for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank amid rising attacks by Israeli settlers.
Speaking after Sunday prayers at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope urged the international community to act against repeated violence targeting Palestinian civilians.
“I renew my appeal for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank,” he said.
He also called for urgent international efforts to advance a two-state solution and establish lasting peace in the region.
Settler Violence Raises Concern
The Pope’s remarks came amid reports of escalating settler attacks and a siege in the Palestinian village of Qusra.
According to rights groups, Israeli settlers surrounded homes after cutting off water and electricity supplies in the area.
Rights organisations have accused settlers of attempting to seize additional Palestinian land and expand Israeli control across the occupied territory.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has consistently supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
More than 150 of the 193 United Nations member states recognise Palestinian statehood, including territories covering Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition has continued supporting settlement expansion across the West Bank.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said settlement construction aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
However, the United Nations and most governments consider Israeli settlements illegal under international law.
Israel captured the West Bank during the 1967 war but disputes its legal classification as occupied territory.
Pope Leo’s latest appeal comes as international pressure grows for renewed diplomatic efforts toward a lasting regional peace.
