The Vatican adopts stricter stance towards Israel after church attack in Gaza.
The Vatican has escalated its criticism of Israel after the recent bombing of a church, leading to a shift in Vatican discourse. Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed concerns that the attack may have been deliberate.
International pressure is mounting, with 25 countries calling for an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza. They criticize Israel’s aid distribution model and demand the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The bombing of the Catholic church has sparked significant reaction within the Christian world and could alter Vatican-Israel relations. The Pope has emphasized specific violations of international humanitarian law in his interventions.
The tense context and historically complex relations between the Vatican, Israel, and Palestine have led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties. The Vatican’s hardened position on the conflict since 2023 and the recent escalation of violence have fueled international outrage.
Joint Declaration of 25 Countries
A joint declaration by 25 countries, including a significant part of Western Europe, highlights the challenges of humanitarian access, the use of hunger as a weapon of war, and the growing number of fatalities in dire circumstances.
The Vatican’s Stand
Simultaneously, the Vatican echoes these concerns with a clear message: the conflict has not only taken lives but has also disregarded essential principles of humanitarian law. The response – if any – to this condemnation will shape the future relations between the two entities.
