ROME. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday demanded an end to what he described as Israel’s “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, urging both sides to agree to an immediate and permanent ceasefire as Israel prepares for a new military offensive.
Speaking before thousands during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, the American-born pontiff was twice interrupted by applause as he appealed for peace in the war that has raged for 22 months.
“I beg for a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated and humanitarian law to be fully respected,” Leo said. He cited international law prohibiting collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of civilians.
The pope also called for the release of the remaining hostages seized by Hamas in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas abducted 251 people in the attack that killed around 1,200, triggering the war. While most hostages have since been freed or rescued, Israel believes about 20 of the 50 still in Gaza remain alive.
Israel has signaled plans for an expanded offensive in Gaza City, where famine has been documented, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists he is also pursuing a ceasefire. Families of hostages have objected to the offensive, saying it would endanger their loved ones.
Leo highlighted a joint statement from the Latin and Greek Orthodox patriarchs of Jerusalem, who said priests and nuns in Gaza City would remain despite evacuation orders, warning that moving the frail and malnourished people sheltering in churches would amount to a “death sentence.”
The Holy Family Catholic Church and Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church have sheltered hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities. The pope, even during his recent hospitalization, maintained daily contact with the Holy Family parish priest to offer solidarity with those trapped in Gaza.
The pontiff’s appeal echoed his comments last weekend to refugees from the Chagos Islands, when he insisted that “all peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands, and no one can force them into exile.”
Netanyahu has said Gaza’s population could be relocated abroad through what his government describes as voluntary emigration. Rights groups and Palestinian leaders have condemned the idea, fearing displaced residents would never be allowed to return.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
