“The greatest possible justice in the Holy Land,” Parolin claimed, “is the two-state solution, which would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security, meeting the aspirations of the majority.”
“However, any mediation to end the conflict must take into account a series of elements that make the issue very complex and articulated, such as the issue of Israeli settlements, security, and the issue of the city of Jerusalem,” he said.
“A solution can be found in direct dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, encouraged and supported by the international community, even though it will be more difficult now,” Parolin said.
Christians in the Holy Land
Parolin also expressed special concern for the Christians in Israel and in the Gaza Strip.
“Christians are an essential part of the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again,” he said. “No one can imagine Palestine or Israel without a Christian presence, which has been there from the beginning and will be there forever.”
He mentioned the small Catholic community in Gaza, many of whom have taken shelter in the enclave’s sole Catholic church, Holy Family Parish.
“It is true that the Catholic community in Gaza, about 150 families, is suffering immensely,” he noted, adding that “when one member suffers, the whole Church suffers, and so we all suffer.”
Parolin concluded by calling for prayer for all those trapped in the conflict.
“Let us pray for the Israelis; let us pray for the Palestinians; let us pray for Christians, Jews, and Muslims,” he said.
Peter Pinedo is a DC Correspondent for CNA. A graduate of Franciscan University, Peter previously worked for Texas Right to Life. He is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.