Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal to end violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and urged the international community to advance a two-state solution. He reiterated earlier 2025 demands for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The region is further strained by reported settler attacks, low prosecution rates for those attacks, and Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon that killed 11 people. Human-rights groups warn that settlement expansion and weak accountability remain major obstacles to lasting peace.
Pope Leo XIV Renewed Plea to End Violence Against Palestinians, Urges Two-State Solution
Pope Leo XIV has renewed a public appeal calling for an end to violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank and for fresh international efforts to advance a two-state solution.
"I renew my appeal for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank, and I urgently call on the international community to work toward advancing the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace," the pope wrote on X.
The statement follows the pope's 2025 appeals urging Israel to halt what he described as "collective punishment" and the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. In that earlier appeal he also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and for unimpeded humanitarian access to the territory.
Recent reports have highlighted continuing tensions across the region. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon were reported to have killed 11 people, adding to instability along Israel's borders and increasing international concern.
More than 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for more than 100 additional settlement units in the area — a move that peace advocates and many international observers say violates international law and undermines prospects for negotiated peace.
According to The Associated Press, extremist settlers have repeatedly entered Palestinian towns and villages, where clashes have led to the burning of homes, mosques and vehicles. These incidents have intensified calls for stronger protections for Palestinian civilians and clearer accountability.
Yesh Din, an Israeli human-rights organization, reports that roughly 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have been closed without an indictment, while only about 3% resulted in full or partial convictions. These statistics have fueled criticism that accountability for settler violence remains limited.
The pope's renewed appeal calls on the international community to redouble efforts toward a just and lasting peace, emphasizing the need to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and revive meaningful negotiations toward a two-state solution.
Sources: NewsNation, The Associated Press, Yesh Din.
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