Pope Leo holds first call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
According to a statement, 'The Holy Father repeated his appeal for international humanitarian law to be fully respected, emphasising in particular the obligation to protect civilians and sacred places, the prohibition of the indiscriminate use of force and of the forced transfer of the population.'
The pope also stressed 'the urgent need to provide assistance to those most vulnerable to the consequences of the conflict and to allow the adequate entry of humanitarian aid.'
The discussion came just days after Pope Leo spoke by phone with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following an 'Israeli' strike on Gaza's only Catholic Church that killed three people.
On Sunday, the pontiff condemned the 'barbarity' of the war in Gaza and renewed his call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Vatican, which officially recognized the State of Palestine in 2015 through a bilateral agreement, continues to advocate for a two-state solution. In 2014, Pope Francis hosted a symbolic meeting in the Vatican gardens where then-'Israeli' President Shimon Peres and Abbas planted an olive tree as a gesture of peace.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
4 hours ago
- Roya News
Hamas stalling ceasefire talks by delaying response: Hebrew media
A new report by Ynet claims that Hamas is delaying its response to the latest proposal put forward by mediators, causing frustration and stagnation in ongoing negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and captives exchange deal. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the report accuses Hamas of "dragging its feet, creating difficulties, and preventing a breakthrough." The group is allegedly trying to maximize the terms of the deal, leading to a lack of progress. An 'Israeli' source quoted in the report stated, "The talks are going badly. We are in the same situation; it is not progressing." The source claimed that as a result of Hamas' delay, 'Israeli' officials now doubt that a breakthrough can be achieved this week. One notable sign of the deadlock, according to the report, is the absence of US envoy Steve Witkoff from the talks in Doha. Witkoff is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital only when the negotiations near a conclusion. 'Israel' is also considering sending Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to join the US envoy in Doha, an indication of the importance of the talks and Qatar's central role as mediator. Dermer, known for his critical stance on Qatar, would signal a shift in 'Israeli' posture if he joins the discussions. Meanwhile, US officials are reportedly growing impatient with Hamas, frustrated by the lack of progress. However, the report notes that should Hamas respond positively to the proposal, pressure may shift toward 'Israel' to show more flexibility.
Roya News
4 hours ago
- Roya News
Hamas issues statement on progress of Gaza ceasefire talks
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas issued a statement on Monday affirming that it is making continuous efforts to end the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as the 'Israeli' military intensifies what the group described as a campaign of 'genocidal war' against the Palestinian people. In the statement, Hamas said the group's leadership is working around the clock with mediators, states, and all concerned parties to stop the famine and bring an end to the ongoing 'Israeli' assault on Gaza. It emphasized that alleviating the suffering of the population is a top priority for the movement. Hamas also accused the Israeli Occupation of using massacres as a form of pressure to extract political concessions, calling it a desperate attempt to achieve what 'Israel' has failed to gain at the negotiation table. The group stressed that it remains committed to acting responsibly and rationally, and that it is working 'as quickly as possible' to conclude consultations with Palestinian factions. The goal, according to the statement, is to reach an honorable agreement that ends the aggression, halts the genocide, facilitates reconstruction, lifts the blockade, and ensures a dignified life for the people of Gaza.
Roya News
4 hours ago
- Roya News
Palestine Action co-founder challenges UK ban under anti-terror laws
The co-founder of a pro-Palestinian campaign group appeared in court on Monday to challenge the British government's decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism legislation, a move her legal team described as having 'the hallmarks of an authoritarian and blatant abuse of power.' Huda Ammori, who co-founded Palestine Action in 2020, is seeking permission from London's High Court to proceed with a full legal challenge against the group's proscription. The UK government banned the group on the grounds that it had committed or taken part in acts of terrorism. Earlier this month, the High Court rejected Ammori's request to suspend the ban. Following a failed last-minute appeal, the proscription officially came into effect just after midnight on July 5. Under the law, being a member of a proscribed group is a criminal offense, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Ammori's lawyer, Raza Husain, argued that Palestine Action is the first direct action group to be banned as a terrorist organization, calling the move incompatible with 'the honourable history of civil disobedience on conscientious grounds in our country.' Since the ban, dozens of individuals have been arrested for carrying placards believed to show support for Palestine Action. Ammori's legal team also claims that police scrutiny has intensified toward protesters expressing support for the Palestinian cause. Britain's interior minister, Yvette Cooper, defended the decision, stating that violence and criminal damage have no place in lawful protest. She cited the group's actions, including breaking into a military base and damaging two aircraft, as justification for the proscription. Palestine Action has increasingly focused its efforts on companies in the UK with links to Israel, frequently engaging in activities such as spraying red paint, obstructing entrances, and damaging property. The group accuses the British government of enabling what it describes as Israeli war crimes in Gaza, amid the ongoing bombardment of the territory.
