His Holiness Pope Francis prays for Holy Land as 'death spiral' widens in Jerusalem
Israeli police and rescue services at the scene of a shooting in Jerusalem (ANSA)
His Holiness Pope Francis is appealing for calm and swift solutions in the Holy Land amid a “death spiral” of violence between Palestinians and Israelis over the past week.
By Devin Watkins & Nathan Morley
“The death spiral that is increasing by the day only closes the few glimmers of trust that exist between the two peoples.”
His Holiness Pope Francis expressed his sorrow for the recent flareup in violence in the Holy Land on Sunday in his greetings following the noon-day Angelus prayer.
“Since the beginning of the year, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in firefights with the Israeli army,” he said.
The Pope recalled the death of 10 Palestinians, including a woman, during an “Israeli military anti-terrorist raid in Palestine.”
He also lamented the deaths of 7 Israeli Jews who were killed, and three others who were injured, by a Palestinian as they leaving a synagogue on Friday.
“I appeal to the two Governments and the international community to find other paths—immediately and without delay—which include dialogue and the sincere search for peace.”
His Holiness Pope Francis also urged everyone to pray for peace in the Holy Land.
Tense situation in Jerusalem
The Pope’s appeal came in the wake of further violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police, which erupted in Jerusalem on Saturday night following two attacks in the city.
On Saturday evening, Israeli police entered Arab districts in Jerusalem seeking suspects who may have helped the assailants in the previous attacks.
The operation sparked clashes with Palestinians, which saw crowds throw stones, Molotov cocktails and fireworks.
On Friday evening, a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem shot dead seven Israelis and wounded three others…
This report was originally published on the Vatican News website. Please click here to read the full text.