Holy See: ‘Unimaginable suffering’ in Gaza must end

By Joseph Tulloch

Pope Francis feels “deep concern” over the war in Gaza, and is renewing his call for a ceasefire.

That was the message delivered by Archbishop Gabriele Gaccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, to the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

"Unimaginable" hardship in Gaza

The Archbishop underlined that “the humanitarian situation in Gaza is of extreme gravity” and causing “unimaginable suffering”.

Stressing Pope Francis’ repeated condemnations of the 7th October terrorist attack in Israel, the Italian Archbishop said that is is “essential to avoid an entire population paying the consequences of a heinous act of terrorism.”

“Any action taken in self-defense must be guided by the principles of distinction and proportionality,” he said, “and comply with international humanitarian law.”

“It is deplorable,” Archbishop Caccia added, “that hospitals, schools and places of worship, all of which are a last resort for those fleeing the violence in Gaza, are being used for military purposes and consequently attacked.”

“Such military activity by all parties must cease and these sites must be guaranteed the protection accorded to them under international humanitarian law.”

A ceasefire, Archbishop Caccia said, “would allow space for dialogue, however difficult it may be, in order to secure the release of the hostages still being held in Gaza and to facilitate the distribution of much-needed humanitarian aid.”

File photo of Archbishop Caccia speaking at the UN

Renewed commitment to two-state solution

The Italian Archbishop drew his speech to a close by noting that “every human being, be they Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, is sacred, precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace.”

He reiterated the Holy See’s stance that the most viable method for achieving such peace remains the two-state solution, with an “internationally guaranteed special status for the City of Jerusalem.”

It is vital, Archbishop Caccia concluded, that the international community, “together with the leaders of the State of Palestine and the State of Israel”, pursue this solution with “renewed determination”, so that “humanity may prevail over hardness of heart.”