VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday called for “respect” for United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon who have accused the Israeli forces of deliberately firing on their positions.
Speaking from the Vatican after his Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region.
“I am close to all the people involved — Palestine, Israel, Lebanon — where I ask that the UN peacekeepers be respected,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope’s comments come as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that its positions, particularly in the town of Naqura, have repeatedly come under Israeli fire.
UNIFIL’s headquarters is based in Naqura, a town near the southern Lebanese border, and has seen intense Israeli attacks in recent days.
At least five UN peacekeepers have been wounded as Israeli forces continue to pound southern Lebanon. Despite diplomatic efforts, attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between the warring parties in both Lebanon and Gaza have so far failed.
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Pope Francis used the occasion to renew his call for an immediate halt to hostilities across the region. “I once again call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts so that the paths of diplomacy and dialogue can be pursued to achieve peace,” he urged.
The Pope also prayed for the victims of the conflict, including the displaced and those taken hostage, and called for an end to the violence driven by hatred and revenge.
“I pray for all the victims, for the displaced, for the hostages, and I hope that this great and unnecessary suffering, generated by hatred and revenge, will end soon,” he said.
The Pope warned against the futility of war, saying it is a false path that will never bring true peace or security.
“Brothers and sisters, war is an illusion. It will never bring peace, it will never bring security, it is a defeat for everyone, especially because you believe you are invincible. Please stop,” he added.
