Pope Leo XIV. On Friday in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he again called for a ceasefire and ending the war in the Gaza Strip. In connection with the Thursday attack of Israel on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, in which three persons died, the head of the Catholic Church also emphasized the importance of protection of religious sites throughout the Palestinian enclave, TASR reports on the basis of AFP report.
According to the Vatican, the phone call initiated Netanyahu Friday morning. “During the interview, the Holy Father reiterated his call for renewal of negotiations and reaching a ceasefire and ending the war,” said the Vatican. “(Pope) again expressed his concern about the dramatic humanitarian situation concerning the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, whose heartbreaking tax is borne especially by children, older people and sick,” It is written in the statement.
“Finally, the Holy Father reiterated the urgency of the protection of pious cities and, above all, believers and all people in Palestine and Israel,” added the Vatican. Netanyahu’s spokesman for AFP added that this was a friendly interview. Both leaders also agreed to meet soon.
Pope Leo XIV. He expressed a deep grief over the Israeli attack on Thursday. The Church of the Holy Family is the only Catholic church in Gaza and, in addition to the three victims, suffered injuries to several other persons, including the priest Gabriel Romanelli, in this incident.
Netanyhu’s office expressed regret Above the incident and civilian victims that allegedly caused “stray ammunition”. Thursday later in the evening. According to her, the incident is being investigated and Israel is still determined to protect civilians and holy places, the office wrote.
