Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan Should Include Palestinians, Says Vatican Official

Vatican city: United States President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan should involve the Palestinians, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Monday.

According to Ansa News Agency, Parolin emphasized that any plan concerning the Palestinian people should allow them to participate in decisions about their future. He expressed support for efforts that aim to end the ongoing violence, liberate hostages, and halt the daily killings in the region. Parolin shared his thoughts with Vatican media, highlighting the importance of including Palestinians in the peace process.

Parolin also commented on the recent street demonstrations in Italy advocating for Gaza, noting that despite some violent incidents that risk sending negative messages to the media, he was encouraged by the active participation and commitment of young individuals. He criticized the international community for alleged hypocrisy regarding the situation in Gaza, suggesting that the continuation of unacceptable conditions points to a failure to address the crisis effectively.

Reflecting on the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel, Parolin called for the release of hostages and an end to the ongoing violence that has devastated Gaza. He stressed the urgency of eradicating anti-Semitism, describing it as a cancer. Parolin further argued that simply declaring the situation unacceptable without taking action contributes to its perpetuation. He questioned the legitimacy of supplying weapons used against civilians, urging the international community to consider the consequences of their actions.