‘We call for an end to the bombardments and for the necessary aid to reach the population,' Cardinal Pietro Parolin says in interview with Vatican News
Vatican's secretary of state on Tuesday urged an end to the Israeli bombardments in Gaza, calling the situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave “unacceptable.”
“What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. International humanitarian law must always apply, and apply to everyone. We call for an end to the bombardments and for the necessary aid to reach the population,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in an interview with the Vatican News.
Cardinal Parolin urged the international community to do everything possible to end the “tragedy,” while also calling for release of all hostages by Hamas.
When asked about the possibility of Vatican to host new negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, he said: “Pope Leo has offered the Holy See's full availability to host any negotiations, providing a neutral, protected venue."
"This was not a mediation—because a mediation must be requested by the parties. In this case, there has only been a public offer of hospitality for a possible meeting.”
Stressing that other venues are also discussed at the moment, such as Geneva, the cardinal said that what “truly” matters was the start of negotiations.
“First and foremost, a truce is needed to end the devastation, the destroyed cities, the civilians losing their lives. Then it is urgent to reach a stable, just, and lasting peace, one accepted and agreed upon by both sides,” he added.
Cardinal Parolin also expressed the Pope's and the entire Holy See's “commitment” to building peace and supporting dialogue and negotiation.
