The dialogue between the Papa and the Palestinian authorities on the ongoing war in the Middle East continued this Thursday in the Vatican. With the Israeli military operation still active in Gaza, the Argentine pontiff received the president of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) there, Mahmoud Abbaswith whom the relationship has been fluid for a long time; so much so that the Palestinian’s trip has also served to inaugurate the new office of the Palestinian embassy to the Holy See.
With this as a backdrop, the main topic discussed in the conversations between the two has been precisely the conflict. Both leaders have spoken of “the important contribution of the Catholic Church to the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it is expected that there will be a ceasefire and the release of all hostages [secuestrados por Hamás] as soon as possible,” the Vatican reported in a brief statement.
Furthermore, during the meeting, it was also reiterated “the condemn of all forms of terrorism“, as well as “the importance” of achieving the states solution “only through dialogue and diplomacy.” It must be guaranteed that Jerusalem be “a place of meeting and friendship between the three great monotheistic religions”, added the religious institution.
Gaza and the West Bank
For its part, Abbas thanked Francisco his words and, immediately afterwards, asked that “the suffering of the Palestinian people who yearn for peace, justice and liberation from occupation” be remembered, as well as “self-determination and an independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital”, according to words collected by the Palestinian agency Wafa. According to this same source, the Palestinian leader has also informed the Pope of both the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s war initiatives continue, and the “massacres and raids” of the settlers in West Bank.
The news of the meeting between the two has occurred in a week in which the conflict between Israel and Palestine has affected the country itself. Vatican. This is due to the nativity scene placed this year in the Paul VI classroom in the Vatican, where initially (it was later removed, although without explanation) a baby Jesus was seen resting on a coldhe scarf symbol of the cause Palestine, which angered various Jewish communities around the world.
However, Abbas has also taken advantage of his visit to put a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister on his agenda, Giorgia Melonilike the one that also met on other occasions. The visit also coincides with another scheduled meeting between the Italian and the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati.
It is unknown, however, whether Abbas will also hold a meeting with the Lebanese leader, who will participate this weekend in the annual celebration in Rome of the youth of the Brothers of Italy, Meloni’s party. An initiative that, in addition, will also have the presence of Israelspecifically of Gila Gamlielformer Minister of Intelligence of the Hebrew country and current holder of the country’s Innovation, Science and Technology portfolio.
