Israel's Foreign Ministry released a statement calling for the Vatican to issue a “clear condemnation” of the acts perpetuated onto Jews and Israelis by the Hamas terrorist group.
This statement came shortly after Pope Francis' Sunday Angelus, where he said:
POPE FRANCIS
Humanitarian law should be respected, especially in Gaza, where there is an urgent need to ensure humanitarian corridors and to rescue the entire population.
Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs had a phone call with Archbishop Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, about his displeasure with
the Pope's words. According to the statement, during the phone call the Minister emphasized that:
“It is inconceivable that an announcement essentially expressing concern for the residents of Gaza is issued at the same time Israel is burying 1,300 murdered citizens.”
This statement from Israel's Foreign Ministry comes just two days after the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, visited the Embassy of Israel to the Holy See to express his concern for the citizens of Israel. He also had a phone call with the Prime Minister of Palestine.
Cardinal Parolin said the Vatican remains firm in their stance that a two-state solution is the only way to ensure lasting peace. And that as always, the Vatican is ready for any necessary mediation in the conflict.
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