Pope Francis has called for an end to the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in an interview with Italian broadcaster RAI. The pope expressed his belief that there are no winners in war, stating that it only leads to further escalation and suffering. He urged both sides to recognize the need for peaceful coexistence as neighbors.
The pontiff emphasized the importance of recognizing an independent Palestinian state as a solution to the ongoing conflict. He referred to the Oslo Accords, a 1990s US initiative that aimed to establish a Palestinian state. However, these accords eventually collapsed due to disagreements over territorial demarcation, Israeli settlements, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the status of Jerusalem.
Israel has recently rejected calls for a ceasefire and declared a total blockade of Gaza. Some Israeli politicians have even advocated for the expulsion of all Gaza residents to Egypt and the complete destruction of the enclave. Pope Francis condemned these actions and reiterated the need for peaceful dialogue and negotiation.
The pope also addressed the broader issue of war and its impact on the world. He described every war as a defeat and emphasized that nothing is solved through violence. He expressed concern about the current global situation, describing the world as enveloped in darkness since 1945. He blamed the military-industrial complex for perpetuating wars and creating profits for the arms industry.
According to the pope, the arms industry presents the most serious problem in today’s world. He cited a recent conversation with an investment expert who claimed that arms factories are the most profitable investments. Pope Francis expressed deep concern over this revelation, highlighting the perverse incentive to perpetuate violence and conflicts for financial gain.
In conclusion, Pope Francis has called for an end to the violence between Israelis and Palestinians and urged both sides to recognize the need for peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the importance of recognizing an independent Palestinian state and criticized the actions of those advocating for further aggression. The pontiff also highlighted the broader issue of war and the influence of the arms industry in perpetuating conflicts. He called for a shift towards peaceful dialogue and the pursuit of global peace and stability.
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