By Junno Arocho
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 21, 2012 (Zenit.org).- During his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI made an appeal for peace in the Gaza Strip. The Holy Father said he was following with «great concern the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians» in the region.
Pope Benedict offered his prayerful support to the victims and those who are suffering in the conflict. «I feel obliged to reiterate once again that hatred and violence are not the solution to the problems,» the Pope said.
«I also encourage the initiatives and efforts of those who are trying to achieve a ceasefire and to promote negotiations.»
The Holy Father urged government authorities on both sides of the conflict to make «bold decisions in favor of peace» while reiterating the conflict’s negative consequences to the Middle Eastern region.
Pope Benedict XVI concluded his appeal stating that the region is «troubled by too many conflicts and in need of peace and reconciliation.»
