France has said it will recognize the State of Palestine in September. This was announced by President Macron, and will be made official at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Of the G7 countries, which include Italy, Germany, and the United States, France will be the first to take this step.
Macron’s plan was brought up with the Vatican’s top diplomat. The question came on the sidelines of an event. Cardinal Parolin was direct: for the Holy See, Palestine is already a country, and the solution to the conflict is clear.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
We recognized it a long time ago, so for us that is the solution—that is, the recognition of two states living side by side as neighbors, with autonomy, but also in cooperation and security.
Reporters also asked the Secretary of State whether he considered the decision premature. For Cardinal Parolin, the only real obstacle is what is currently happening in the West Bank.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
Why premature? Why premature? In our view, the solution lies in direct dialogue between the two parties with the goal of establishing two autonomous state entities. Of course, this becomes increasingly difficult due to the situation that has been created and is still developing in the West Bank—settlements, etc. From a practical point of view, this does not support the creation of a Palestinian state at all.
Regarding what has happened at places of worship, like the missile strike on the only Catholic parish in Gaza, Parolin said the responsibility lies with Israel.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
It’s up to Israel to prevent that. It is up to Israel to find a way to ensure these mistakes are not repeated. I believe that if the will is there, a way can be found.
The latest reports on the humanitarian situation in Gaza are dire. So far, more than 100 deaths from malnutrition have been recorded—80 of the deaths were children.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
The situation in Gaza is unbearable, as many international agencies have denounced. Now, a new weapon is being used—‘starvation,’ that is, famine and the lack of food.
It’s estimated that the lack of humanitarian aid and the blockade on food entry are affecting around 470,000 people. According to the UN, they are living in conditions similar to a famine.
CA
Trans. CRT
