Pope: Violence between Israel, Palestinians ‘unacceptable’

Pope Francis said on Sunday that the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians is “unacceptable,” The Associated Press reported.

“Do we truly think that we can build peace by destroying the other?” the pope asked in his weekly address to the public at St. Peter’s Square. 

“In the name of God, who created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity and are called to live as brothers, I appeal for calm and an end to the violence,” Francis added, according to the AP. 

Francis also said in a tweet that he’s praying for peace in the region, adding that both sides should find the path of “dialogue and forgiveness.”

Let us pray constantly that the Israelis and Palestinians may find the path of dialogue and forgiveness. Let us pray for the victims, in particular for the children; let us pray for peace.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) May 16, 2021

The pope’s comments come as the renewed conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas enters a seventh day. The Gaza health ministry said that 26 people were killed and 50 others wounded during Israeli  airstrikes on Sunday, according to the AP. Militants also again launched rockets into Israel. 

Israeli forces struck a building that housed international news sources the AP and Al Jazeera in Gaza City on Saturday, sparking condemnation. Israel has said Hamas placed “military assets” inside the building.