Pope urges global action to halt West Bank violence against Palestinians
Pope Leo XIV appealed for an end to the recent surge of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and called on the international community to support a two-state solution.
During a midday address at his Castel Gandolfo residence, Pope Leo XIV urged an immediate stop to the renewed violence targeting Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. He highlighted recent incidents such as the encirclement of homes in Qusra, where settlers cut off water and electricity, actions described by rights groups as attempts to seize more land. The Pope called on the international community to act swiftly to promote a two-state solution for a durable peace.
The Vatican’s longstanding endorsement of a future Palestinian state contrasts with Israel’s right-wing coalition, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has overseen extensive settlement construction. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated that these settlements aim to undermine the prospect of a Palestinian state. The United Nations and most governments consider the settlements illegal under international law governing military occupation, though Israel disputes the territory’s status.
Why it matters
The Pope’s call highlights growing tensions in the West Bank and pressures the global community to address settlement expansion and the stalled peace process.
How this story developed
- Jul 26 Israeli forces and settlers launch sweeping raids across West Bank after deadly Nablus shootout
- Aug 3 Gaza civilians say Donald Trump's announced plan to disarm Hamas and end the war feels out of touch as Israeli strikes kill dozens and expand occupied zones.
- Aug 5 The Israeli military began precision attacks in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, saying they responded to a Hezbollah breach after previously urging residents of Mansouri to evacuate.
- Aug 5 Hamas envoy says the disarmament pact was taken to safeguard Gaza’s population.
- Aug 6 Israel issued an evacuation order for Mansouri and began targeted strikes in southern Lebanon.
- Aug 7 Iran and Oman moved toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Aug 7 Settlers set fire to homes in Khirbet al‑Tuba, marking the latest incident in the ongoing wave of violence.
- Aug 13 Israel announced a plan to create a "Samaria" national park covering roughly 450 acres of olive‑grove land near Sebastia.
- Aug 16 Pope Leo called for an end to West Bank violence in a Sunday address.
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