Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, conveyed Pope Francis’ “deep concern” over the Gaza conflict in a message to the United Nations Security Council.
The prelate described the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as causing “unimaginable suffering”.
He stressed that it is “essential to avoid an entire population paying the consequences” of the October 7th attack in Israel.
Archbishop Caccia emphasized the importance of self-defense actions adhering to principles of distinction and proportionality. “Any action taken in self-defense must comply with international humanitarian law,” he said.
He deplored the use of hospitals, schools, and places of worship for military purposes, calling for an immediate cessation of such activities to protect these sites as per international humanitarian law.
A central point in the Holy See’s plea for peace was the call for a ceasefire. Caccia asserted, “A ceasefire would allow space for dialogue, in order to secure the release of hostages in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid distribution.”
The prelate reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to the two-state solution, emphasizing an internationally guaranteed special status for Jerusalem.
He reminded the international community that every human being has the right to live in peace, calling on leaders of Palestine and Israel to pursue the two-state solution with determination, asserting that “humanity must prevail over the hardness of heart.”
