Ahead of the second anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,195 people, mostly civilians, the Vatican's top diplomat called it "inhuman and indefensible" and urged the militants to free remaining hostages. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, however, pointed out that the Israeli response to the October 7 attack was disproportionate. "Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defence must respect the principle of proportionality," Cardinal Parolin said in an interview published on Monday. Cardinal Pietro Parolin was one of the frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis earlier this year. (Photo: Reuters) 'Israel targeting defenceless population' More than 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the past two years by Israel, which has also turned the Palestinian enclave into piles of rubble. "The war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenceless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble," Cardinal Parolin, who is also one of Pope Leo's top deputies, told Vatican News. 'What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable' The Italian Cardinal also criticised the international community for its failure to stop Israel's "ongoing massacre" in Gaza. "It is . clear that the international community is, unfortunately, powerless and that the countries truly capable of exerting influence have so far failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre," Parolin said. "It's not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen,” he added. 'Gaza peace plan should be welcomed' Cardinal Parolin also welcomed the peace deal negotiated by Trump to end the war in Gaza. “Any plan that includes the Palestinian people in decisions about their own future, and helps put an end to this slaughter — releasing hostages and halting the daily killing of hundreds of people — is to be welcomed and supported,” he said. In recent weeks, several European countries, much to the dismay of Israel, had recognised the state of Palestine. Cardinal Parolin pointed out that the Vatican had recognised a Palestinian State that is independent, sovereign, democratic, and viable, encompassing the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, ten years ago. Pope Leo has criticised Israel for its war in Gaza several times. (Photo: Vatican News) “This solution, the creation of a Palestinian State, seems even more valid today in light of the events of the last two years. It is the path of two people in two States,” he said. Pope Leo on Gaza conflict His comments come at a time when the Vatican, under Pope Leo, is making its position on global issues clear, unlike in the past when the powerful Roman Catholic Church operated behind the scenes. Pope Leo, elected in May after the death of Pope Francis, has been stepping up criticism of Israel's campaign in Gaza. On Sunday, he expressed hope that a plan to end the war in Gaza would soon reach the “desired results” and asked all relevant parties to commit to the peace process, emphasising the urgent need to end the conflict and establish a “just and lasting peace”.
