Pope Leo Calls for End to Violence Against Palestinians in West Bank

ROME, ITALY — WEB DESK: Pope Leo has renewed his call for an end to violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank and urged the international community to take action towards achieving a two-state solution for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Speaking after his Sunday noon prayers at his residence in Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, the pontiff expressed concern over repeated attacks against Palestinians as tensions intensify across the territory.

“I renew my appeal for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank,” Pope Leo said.

He did not refer to individual incidents in his remarks but made a broader appeal for international action to address the conflict.

Pope urges action on two-state solution

Pope Leo also called on governments and the wider international community to revive efforts towards establishing separate Israeli and Palestinian states.

“I urgently ask the international community to take action so as to advance the two-state solution, for a fair and lasting peace,” he said.

The Vatican has long supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

More than 150 of the United Nations’ 193 member states recognise the State of Palestine, which Palestinians envision as encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Tensions rise in Qusra

The Pope’s appeal came amid heightened concerns over the Palestinian village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank.

According to reports and rights groups cited by Reuters, Israeli settlers had encircled homes in the village after water and electricity supplies were cut.

Rights groups have argued that increasing settler pressure forms part of broader efforts to seize additional Palestinian land, further fragmenting territory sought for a future Palestinian state.

The latest developments come amid a broader surge in settler attacks and tensions across the West Bank.

Settlement expansion raises international concern

Israeli settlement construction remains one of the most contentious issues in efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition has overseen extensive settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly argued that expanding settlements can prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.

The United Nations and most of the international community consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law.

Israel disputes that interpretation and describes the West Bank as disputed territory rather than occupied territory.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and other territories during the 1967 Middle East war.

Vatican maintains support for Palestinian state

The Vatican has consistently advocated negotiations, protection of civilians and a political settlement based on two states.

The Holy See formally recognised the State of Palestine through an agreement that entered into force in 2016, reflecting its longstanding diplomatic support for Palestinian statehood.

Pope Leo’s latest intervention places renewed attention on the deteriorating situation in the West Bank at a time when prospects for a negotiated political settlement remain deeply uncertain.

His appeal also adds to international pressure for measures aimed at protecting civilians and preventing further actions that could undermine the territorial viability of a future Palestinian state.