Pope slams world’s ‘shameful inability’ to end Mideast conflict
Pope Francis on Monday slammed the “shameful inability” of world powers to end the conflict in West Asia, on the first anniversary of Hamas’s Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on Israel’s positions in the occupied territories.
“A year ago, the fuse of hatred was lit; it did not sputter, but exploded in a spiral of violence, in the shameful inability of the international community and the most powerful countries to silence the weapons and put an end to the tragedy of war,” he said in an open letter to Catholics in West Asia, AFP reported.
“Blood is still being shed, as are tears. Anger is growing, along with the desire for revenge, while it seems that few people care about what is most needed and what is most desired: dialogue and peace.”
The 87-year-old had previously declared Monday a global day for prayer and fasting for peace, following similar initiatives for other conflicts in recent years.
In his letter, the leader of the world’s almost 1.4 billion Catholics offered solidarity with followers in the region -- “a small, defenseless flock” -- on what he called “this sad day”.
But the pope also addressed “the men and women of every confession and religion who in the West Asia are suffering from the insanity of war: I am close to you, I am with you”.
“I am with you, who have no voice, for despite all the talk of plans and strategies, there is little concern for those who suffer the devastation of war, which the powerful impose on others; yet they will be subject to the inflexible judgement of God,” he added.
Nearly 42,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children in Gaza and more than 2,000 people including top commanders of Hezbollah resistance group in Lebanon have been killed in Israel’s strikes over the past years.
The regime launched its deadly attacks on the Gaza Strip following Hamas’s operation in the occupied territories.
Israel’s campaign has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza – 1.9 million of its 2.3 million Palestinians.