- Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his call for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urged the international community to advance efforts toward a two-state solution, according to Anadolu.
- Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer, Leo called for an end to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank, according to Vatican News.
- He also issued an urgent appeal to the international community to ensure that progress is made toward a two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.
- The pope also marked the start of the Mediterranean Games in the southern Italian city of Taranto, expressing hope that the sporting event would serve as a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity among the peoples of this region and of the whole world.
- Earlier in 2025, the pope called on Israel to stop the 'genocide' and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, and also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire as well as for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to make it into the territory.
- The Vatican has consistently maintained that a two-state solution based on secure and internationally recognized borders is the only viable and equitable path toward lasting peace between Palestine and Israel.
- More than 700,000 Israeli settlers live in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved more than 100 new settlements in the region, which peace leaders consider illegal and an obstacle to peace.
- Reports indicate that extremist settlers routinely enter Palestinian towns, clashing with villagers and burning homes, mosques, and cars.
- According to Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, around 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have ended without an indictment, with just 3% leading to full or partial convictions.
Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his urgent appeal for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, emphasizing the need for the international community to work towards a two-state solution for a just and lasting peace. Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer, he stated, “I renew my appeal for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank”. The Vatican maintains that a two-state solution based on secure and internationally recognized borders is the only viable path to peace between Palestine and Israel.126
The pope's remarks come amid escalating tensions, with more than 700,000 Israeli settlers residing in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved over 100 new settlements, actions deemed illegal by peace advocates and seen as obstacles to peace. Reports indicate that extremist settlers frequently clash with Palestinian villagers, leading to violence and destruction of property.789
According to Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, around 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have concluded without an indictment, with only 3% resulting in convictions. The pope's call for peace is echoed by many who seek an end to the cycle of violence and a path toward reconciliation.10
“The pope's appeal follows reports that extremist settlers routinely enter Palestinian towns, clashing with villagers and burning homes, mosques, and cars. Yesh Din says 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 ended without indictment, with only 3% leading to convictions.”
Middle East Monitor
