Pope condemns Israeli attacks on hospitals, places of worship in Gaza

WORLD, Jan. 09 (YPA) – Pope Francis condemned on Monday the attacks on hospitals, schools, and places of worship in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming his support for the “two-state solution.”

Speaking during his annual meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican City on the occasion of Christmas and New Year’s, Pope Francis addressed several international issues, focusing on the need for dialogue and diplomacy to come up with peaceful solutions for disputed issues and calling for justice and world peace.

Tackling conflicts in the Middle East, the Pope called for a ceasefire on all fronts, stressing that the reality of war is nothing but a tragedy and a senseless massacre that undermines the dignity of each person on this earth.

The Pope demanded humanitarian aid be immediately brought into Gaza, and to provide hospitals, schools and places of worship with all necessary protection, appealing to the international community to work harder to achieve a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

Pope Francis renewed his support for an internationally guaranteed special status for the City of Jerusalem, aiming for lasting peace and security.

E.M