Vatican City: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomat, has strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing it as a genocide perpetrated by Israel. In an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Parolin criticized Israel for targeting Hamas with disregard for the lives of unarmed civilians.
While condemning Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel as "inhumane and unjustifiable," he urged the group to release all remaining Israeli hostages.
Expressing deep concern over Israeli statements rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, Parolin criticized the international community's inaction. He emphasized that powerful nations have done nothing to stop the massacre in Gaza, calling the situation "unacceptable" and questioning the legality of continued arms supplies used against civilians.
Regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, Parolin stated that such a state would not threaten others and could coexist peacefully with its neighbors. He welcomed the growing number of countries recognizing Palestine and stressed that a two-state solution is more necessary and realistic than ever.
