Pope appeals for truce in Gaza

Pope Benedict XVI has called on Palestinians and Israelis to put an end to violence by restoring the truce in the Gaza Strip that ended on 19 December.

Over the weekend, Palestinian rocket and mortar attacks on Israel caused one death. Israeli air raids on Gaza killed more than 200 people and left more than 1,000 injured.

During yesterday's Angelus Pope Benedict called on the international community "not to leave any stone unturned to help Israelis and Palestinians out of this blind alley, and not to give in to this perverse logic of confrontation and violence, but favour instead the path of dialogue and negotiations."

Moving from his prepared text, he said: "Dear brothers and sisters, the Holy Land, which at Christmastide is at the centre of the faithful's thoughts and affection in every corner of the world, is shaken once again by unprecedented violence. I am deeply saddened by the dead, the wounded, the material damages, the suffering and the tears of the populations victimised by this tragic chain of attacks and retaliations. The native land of Jesus cannot continue to be witness to so much bloodshed, repeating itself without end. I implore an end to this violence which must be condemned in all its forms, and a restoration of the truce in the Gaza Strip. I call for a jolt of humanity and wisdom in all those who have a responsibility in this situation. I call on the international community not to leave any stone unturned to help Israelis and Palestinians out of this blind alley, and not to give in to the perverse logic of confrontation and violence, as I said two days ago during the Urbi et Orbi message, but favour instead the path of dialogue and negotiations. Let us entrust Jesus, the Prince of Peace, with our fervent prayer for these aims and to Him, Mary and Joseph, let us say: 'Oh family of Nazareth, expert in suffering, give peace to the world.' Give it today, especially to the Holy Land!"

Source: VIS