(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 10.18.2024).- In a significant diplomatic meeting on October 17, Pope Francis welcomed former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Kidwa at the Vatican. The two leaders, each with a storied political background in their respective governments, presented the Pope with a detailed proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza and resuming peace talks based on the two-state solution.
Following the audience, both Olmert and Al-Kidwa spoke to Vatican Media about their joint efforts to advance peace. The proposal they brought before Pope Francis calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the simultaneous release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. The initiative underscores the urgent need for both parties to return to negotiations, with the ultimate goal of establishing two sovereign states—Israel and Palestine—living peacefully side by side.
A Shared Call for Peace
Ehud Olmert, who previously led peace efforts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his term as Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009, emphasized the personal engagement of Pope Francis in the issue. “The Pope gave us his full attention for more than half an hour,” Olmert noted, adding that the Pontiff’s daily connection with Christians in Gaza demonstrates his deep concern for the region.
Olmert further expressed his desire for an agreement on Jerusalem, a city central to both Israeli and Palestinian claims. His proposal envisions the Old City of Jerusalem being placed under a special international trust, overseen by a consortium of five countries, including Israel and Palestine. This arrangement, he explained, would ensure that the city’s holy sites remain accessible to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, allowing all to practice their faith freely.
Nasser Al-Kidwa, who has long advocated for peace and who represented his uncle, the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, at the United Nations, reiterated the urgency of halting the violence in Gaza. He pointed to the two-state solution as the only viable pathway to peace. «It is crucial for us to stop the war and reach a settlement that allows the two peoples to live side by side, in accordance with the 1967 borders,» Al-Kidwa stated.
Jerusalem: A City for All Faiths
One of the most concrete elements of the peace proposal centers on the future status of Jerusalem. Both leaders underscored the importance of reaching a special agreement for the city’s governance, one that respects its sacred significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. According to their plan, Jerusalem’s Old City would be administered by an international trust, with Jordan playing a key role in managing the holy sites, much like its current role overseeing the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif).
Olmert clarified that under this proposal, Jerusalem could still serve as the capital of Israel, but only in the areas that were part of Israel before June 5, 1967, as well as Jewish neighborhoods built after the Six-Day War. Meanwhile, Al-Kidwa added that the Palestinian capital, Al-Quds, would comprise the Arab neighborhoods that existed prior to 1967, ensuring a balanced approach to one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Papal Blessing and Next Steps
Both Olmert and Al-Kidwa believe that the Pope’s blessing of their plan could have a significant impact on its success. «We presented our proposal to the Holy Father, and we trust that he will bless our efforts. His support will make a difference,» said Al-Kidwa.
The visit marks a rare joint appearance by the two leaders, who, despite their political differences, have come together with the shared mission of advancing peace in a region long plagued by violence. Their proposal not only addresses the immediate crisis in Gaza but also lays out a broader framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—one that places particular emphasis on the protection of Jerusalem’s sacred status and the establishment of two independent states.
As Pope Francis continues his efforts to mediate for peace, the Vatican’s role in fostering dialogue between Israel and Palestine could prove pivotal. The coming months will reveal whether this renewed diplomatic push, bolstered by the Pope’s moral leadership, can help bring the long-awaited peace to the Holy Land.
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