CV NEWS FEED // An Iranian state-run news outlet reported that Iran’s minister of foreign affairs pressed the Vatican’s secretary of state to help end the “genocide” in Gaza during the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva on December 13.
“Iran believes that the Vatican can play an influential role in ending the Israeli regime’s genocide in Palestine,” according a post from the Iranian official news agency MEHR. That was the sentiment Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed to Secretary of State Pietro Parolin “on the sidelines” at the Geneva forum, MEHR reported:
[Amir-Abdollahian] added that what is happening in Gaza is genocide, which the world cannot tolerate anymore.
Iran considers Hamas as a freedom-seeking movement that is struggling against Israeli occupation, he stated, adding that Tehran does not favor the expansion of war in the region.
Parolin voiced concern about the status quo in Palestine, saying that the Vatican supports the efforts to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.
He also pointed to the Vatican’s push for the delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Palestine, stressing the need for a political solution to the crisis.
At the Vatican on December 13, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine during his weekly General Audience.
“I continue to follow the conflict in Israel and Palestine with much worry and pain,” he said:
I renew my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire: there is so much suffering there… I encourage all parties involved to resume negotiations, and call on everyone to make an urgent commitment to get humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Francis also “stressed that the population of Gaza are ‘on their last legs, and really need it,’” according to Vatican News:
Pope Francis also renewed his appeal for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, saying “Let all hostages, who had seen hope in the truce a few days ago, be freed immediately, so that this great suffering for Israelis and Palestinians might come to an end.”
“Please”, he concluded, “no to weapons, yes to peace.”
