Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
President Biden and Pope Francis held a 20-minute discussion on the Israel-Gaza situation on Sunday.
The two leaders expressed concerns about the escalation of the conflict, emphasizing the necessity for proactive measures to ensure peace in the Middle East. Their conversation addressed the attacks initiated by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties, and Israel’s subsequent response, which led to even more loss of life, as the Gaza Ministry of Health reported.
The White House stated that both Biden and Pope Francis shared their aspirations to “work toward a durable peace in the Middle East,” while Vatican News, referring to the Holy See Press Office, emphasized the leaders’ mutual recognition of the “need to identify paths of peace.”
The call comes as Israel directed a million Palestinians to relocate to the southern half of the Gaza Strip, a move preceding a potential ground assault. Despite this, reports from Gaza indicate that areas within this portion were not exempted from airstrikes, accusations that Israel firmly denies.