Pope prays for Holy Land as 'death spiral' widens in Jerusalem

Scene of destruction - Isfey al-Fouqa school demolished by Israelis a day after it was opened

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis has appealed for calm and swift solutions in the Holy Land amid a "death spiral" of violence between Palestinians and Israelis over the past week.

"The death spiral that is increasing by the day only closes the few glimmers of trust that exist between the two peoples," he said.

Pope Francis expressed his sorrow for the recent flareup in violence in the Holy Land on Sunday in his greetings following the noon-day Angelus prayer.

"Since the beginning of the year, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in firefights with the Israeli army," he said. The Pope recalled the death of 10 Palestinians, including a woman, during an "Israeli military anti-terrorist raid in Palestine."

He also lamented the deaths of seven Israeli Jews who were killed, and three others who were injured, by a Palestinian as they leaving a synagogue on Friday.

"I appeal to the two Governments and the international community to find other paths - immediately and without delay - which include dialogue and the sincere search for peace."

Pope Francis also urged everyone to pray for peace in the Holy Land.

According to the UN, in 2022, more than 150 Palestinians and over 20 Israelis were killed in clashes between the two sides. The last few weeks has seen a ramping-up of tensions across Israel and the Occupied Territories. A Palestinian school in the West Bank, supported by overseas donors, was demolished a day after it was opened. Dozens of Palestinian homes have been bulldozed. On Thursday Israeli settlers rampaged through the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, vandalising an Armenian restaurant and shops.