Whereas Washington has judged that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank are not against International Law, on November 20, 2019, the Holy See reiterated its support of the “two States for two Peoples” solution.
In a press release, the Holy See reacted “to the recent decisions that risk further undermining of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the region’s fragile stability. It affirmed that the two States solution is “the only path to reach a definitive solution to the longstanding conflict.”
“The Holy See supports the right of the State of Israel to live in peace and security within the borders recognized by International Law, but the Palestinian people have the same right, which must be recognized, respected and put into practice,” reads the statement.
The Holy See hopes “that the two parties — negotiating directly between them, with the support of the International Community, and in keeping with the United Nations Resolutions –, can find a just compromise, which takes into account the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples.”
Several countries, including France as well as the UN and the European Union, deplored the United States’ decision regarding the settlements, where more than 400,000 Israelis already live.
The Holy See has recognized several times the expression “State of Palestine,” a title adopted by the UN on November 29, 2012, granting it the status of Non-Member State Observer at UNESCO.
