World

Pope affirms support for two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Pope, Palestinian president discuss status of Jerusalem in meeting

Anadolu Agency November 04, 2021

PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ANKARA:

Pope Francis affirmed his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Thursday.

The need for peaceful coexistence among various faiths, as well as the goal of a two-state solution in the Holy Land were discussed during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the spiritual leader of the Catholic world, according to the official Vatican News agency.

Abbas and the pope agreed it is necessary to reactivate direct talks between Palestine and Israel to achieve a two-state solution, with the help of more vigorous efforts by the international community.

They also noted that “Jerusalem must be recognized by all as a place of encounter and not of conflict, and that its status must preserve its identity and universal value as a Holy City for all the three Abrahamic religions, also through a special internationally guaranteed status.”

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community. Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site for Muslims.

The two leaders then spoke about the “urgency of working for peace, avoiding the use of weapons, and combating all forms of extremism and fundamentalism,” according to Vatican News.

COMMENTS (1)

William Bilek | 3 years ago | Reply Jerusalem must be recognised by all as a place of encounter and not of conflict and that its status must preserve its identity and universal value as a Holy City for all the three Abrahamic religions As it now is for the first time in 2000 years. also through a special internationally guaranteed status. Fuggetaboutit The Pope and the international community did not seem to consider that a necessity while the Arabs controlled the eastern part of the city in violation of international law. Israel occupied East Jerusalem where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Incorrect. Israel liberated the eastern part of Jerusalem where the Al-Aqsa mosque is located as well as the Temple Mount the holiest site in Judaism and the Western Wall second holiest site in Judaism AS A RESULT of successfully defending itself against the illegal attack by the Arabs in 1967.

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