Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
- The Pope cited a surge in attacks by militant Israeli settlers and a siege in Qusra.
Pope calls for end to West Bank violence against Palestinians
IN SHORT
Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for an end to violence against the Palestinian population in the West Bank, citing a surge in attacks by militant settlers. He urged the international community to advance a two-state solution for lasting peace.
Key Numbers
150+UN member states recognizing Palestinian state
Who's Involved
Pope Leo XIV
called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank
Israeli settlers
reportedly encircled houses and cut off water and electricity
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister whose government oversees settlement construction
Bezalel Smotrich
Finance Minister aiming to thwart a Palestinian state
United Nations
considers settlements illegal under international law
↳ Why This Matters
The Pope's appeal highlights ongoing international concerns over the escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, underscoring the stalled peace process and the humanitarian impact on Palestinians.