For three days—28-30 July—United Nations member states joined the High-level International Conference at the UN headquarters in New York. The issue on the table: the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Terrorism is always a “no”
As the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, explained that “in the light of the profound anguish and terrible human suffering that has befallen the region,” the Holy See “unequivocally” condemns the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 by Hamas.
“Terrorism can never be justified”, the Permanent Observer argued. But he also emphasized that self defense must be contained within the “traditional limits of necessity and proportionality.”
Moreover, Archbishop Caccia stressed, the Holy See is very concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis taking place in the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the atrocities that continue to “wound an already distressed community”—scores of children killed and homes, hospitals, places of worship destroyed.
This situation is “deeply concerning given that Christians in the region have long played a vital role as a moderating and stabilizing presence, promoting dialogue and peace”, the Holy See Permanent Observer highlighted.
Only way to lasting peace
In light of the widespread displacement of families, collapse of critical services, increasing hunger and hardship, the Holy calls urgently for “an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, the restitution of the bodies of the deceased, the protection of all Palestinian civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.”
Archbishop Caccia expressed the Holy See’s firm belief that the Two-State Solution, “based on secure and internationally recognized borders, is the only viable and equitable path toward a just and lasting peace.”
Read more: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-07/archbishop-caccia-two-state-solution-is-only-viable-just-path.html
By Kielce Gussie |
