Pope Leo renews appeal on West Bank violence

Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, August 16, urging the international community to advance a two-state solution for lasting peace. Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer at his Castel Gandolfo residence, the pontiff highlighted a climate of fear and escalating attacks in several communities.

"I renew my appeal for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank," Leo told pilgrims and tourists. "I urgently call on the international community to work toward advancing the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace." The remarks, met with applause, concluded the traditional prayer.

The Pope's comments come amid intensified violence in the territory. In the central Ramallah highlands, the historic Christian village of Taybeh has experienced increasingly frequent and violent incursions by Israeli settlers over recent months. This led the Israeli military last week to declare the town a closed military zone, prohibiting entry to nonresidents. An Israeli military spokesperson stated the restriction applies to Israelis, not Palestinians, and was enacted to...