“There is no future based on violence, forced exile and revenge.” Pope Leon, appeal to peace on the day when three great powers officially recognized the Palestinian state
Pope Leon on Sunday denounced the forced relocation of civilians in Gaza, while Israel intensified his military campaign in the main city of the Palestinian enclave, notes Reuters.
“Together with the pastors of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat that there is no future based on violence, forced exile and revenge,” said the Pontiff during the weekly prayer Angelus.
The holy country comprises parts of the current Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Egypt, regions considered sacred for Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The role of Pope Leon in support of peace in Gaza became even more pronounced after Israel hit the only Catholic Church in the territory in July.
“Peoples need peace. Those who really love them work for peace,” the first pope from the United States added.
The Israeli forces threw several residential buildings in Gaza City, on Sunday, killing at least 31 Palestinians and causing hundreds of civilians to flee, the enclum health authorities said, while Israel's tanks advanced deeper into the dense city, reports Reuters.
Among the victims were a pregnant woman and her two children, according to medical staff. The Israeli army did not directly comment on the deaths, just stating that he killed “many” militants.
On Saturday, Israel had announced the expansion of operations in the Gaza City area, claiming that he had killed 30 militants and discovered weapons. On Sunday, witnesses reported that the tanks went to the west, in the suburb Tel Al-Hawa.
The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia officially recognized a Palestinian state, joining other nations in a move aimed at resurrection of the impulse for a solution with two states, but has been criticized by Israel and the United States.
The gesture risks irritating Israel and its main ally, the United States, and has a special significance considering the role of Britain in creating the state of Israel after World War II and the close ally relationship that London has had over the decades, notes Reuters.
In a decision that put on Keir Starmer in contradiction with US President Donald Trump, the UK has sent an ultimatum in July: it will recognize the state of Palestine if Israel does not take measures to end the “terrible situation” in Gaza.
Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian mission in London, called the decision “a much delayed recognition”, emphasizing that “it is not about Palestine, but about the UK's fulfillment of a solemn responsibility.” “It is an irreversible step towards justice, peace and correction of historical injustices,” he added in a statement.
Starmer had stated in July that the UK would recognize the state of Palestine if Israel does not reach a ceasefire agreement with the Hamas militants, does not allow the entry of additional humanitarian aid in Gaza, does not guarantee that it will not annex the Westordania and does not engage in a peace process that will lead to the solution of the two states.
“From that July announcement, in fact, with the attack on the Qatar, the cessation of fire is practically shattered, and the prospects are bleak,” said David Lammy, mentioning that Israel has also advanced with a colonization plan.
Starmer also faced pressure from several parliamentarians in their own party, dissatisfied with increasing the number of deaths in Gaza and by images with hungry children.
