(LifeSiteNews) — Speaking at the United Nations, the Holy See has once again made public its call for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine amid ongoing conflict in the region.
In a high-level conference at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York at the tail end of last month, the Holy See made a firm plea with regards Israel and Palestine.
“The Holy See remains convinced 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,” declared Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who serves as the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.
As a way of furthering this aim, Caccia noted how the Holy See has formally recognized the states of both Israel and Palestine. The Holy See, he said, “continues to uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination. The Holy See supports their legitimate aspirations to live in freedom, security, and dignity within an independent and sovereign State.”
The Holy See signed a basic agreement recognizing Palestine in 2000, and then a more comprehensive on in 2015. Meanwhile diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Israel began in 1993, although the Holy See recognizes Israel as a political, not a religious, entity.
As LifeSite’s Patrick Delaney has reported, the two-state solution plan for peace has overwhelmingly received support from numerous national governments of the world, along with Catholic, Orthodox and many other Christian churches.
However, it has not been met with approval from Israeli officials. The Palestinian Authority has indicated it would be open to to a two-state solution, but so far the two sides appear to remain outwardly hostile.
Jerusalem, said the archbishop at the U.N., “is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike,” and “is a city of universal religious and cultural significance.”
Consequently, he called for it to be above any political divide and be accessible to all:
it requires a status that transcends political divisions and ensures the preservation of its unique identity. To this end, the Holy See reiterates its longstanding call for an internationally guaranteed special statute capable of ensuring the dignity and rights of all its inhabitants and the faithful of the three monotheistic religions, the equality before the law of their institutions and communities, safeguarding the City’s sacred character and exceptional religious and cultural heritage.
Recognizing both states of Israel and Palestine did not prevent Caccia from highlighting emerging issues present amongst both sides. He condemned the “heinous terrorist attack of 7 October by Hamas against the people in Israel,” adding that “terrorism can never be justified.” But he continued by noting that “the Holy See emphasizes that the right to self-defense should be exercised within the traditional limits of necessity and proportionality.”
The Holy See, declared its representative, “remains gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.”
The devastating impact on civilians, especially the number of children killed, has been compounded by the destruction of homes, hospitals, and places of worship, with the recent attack on the Holy Family Church further wounding an already distressed community. This 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.
Pre-empting his diplomatic colleague, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin recently reiterated the Holy See’s advocacy for a two-state reality. This, Parolin told journalists, is “the solution – the recognition of two states, living side by side, independently but also in cooperation and security.”
“In our view, the solution lies in direct dialogue between the two sides aimed at establishing two autonomous state entities,” he stated.
For Parolin, the U.N. meeting at which Caccia was speaking, was key as the cardinal expressed the hope it would bear fruit for peace in the region.
Israeli forces recently struck the only Catholic church in Gaza, prompting swift and widespread international outrage, especially from the Pope and Catholic bishops worldwide. Three people died, and many were injured – including the parish priest.
The Israeli army explained it as a mistake. Official statements from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem and from Parolin had cast doubt on the Israeli explanation of the strike being accidental. Such striking commentary from the two Catholic prelates is notable in the world of diplomatic nuance, suggesting a more hidden, strained relationship between the Church and the Israeli government.
Parolin has since downplayed his original suggestion, telling the media that “we accept the findings provided by the Israeli army and government, but we continue to insist on the need for caution.”
