Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin Offers Possible Mediation between Israel and Hamas and Calls for Prayer for Peace

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, in an interview with Vatican Media about the outbreak of war in the Holy Land, said the priority is the release of hostages and affirming that the Holy See is willing to mediate.
"The Holy See is ready for any necessary mediation, as always."
In an interview with Vatican Media, he also Cardinal Parolin spoke of Pope Francis's appeal for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and calls for proportionality in Israel's legitimate defense.

However, the Cardinal also expressed concern for the civilian casualties in Gaza due to bombings, emphasizing that despite the ongoing events a truly just peace requires a two-state solution, "which would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security."
Cardinal Parolin: The terrorist attack carried out by Hamas and other militias last Saturday against thousands of Israelis who were about to celebrate the day of Simchat Torah, concluding the week of the Sukkot festival, is inhuman. The Holy See expresses complete and firm condemnation.
Furthermore, we are concerned for the men, women, children, and the elderly held hostage in Gaza. We express our solidarity with the affected families, the vast majority of whom are Jewish, and we pray for them, for those still in shock, for the wounded.
It is necessary to regain a sense of reason, abandon the blind logic of hatred, and reject violence as a solution. It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but even legitimate defense must respect the parameter of proportionality.
I do not know how much room for dialogue there can be between Israel and the Hamas militia, but if there is—and we hope there is—it should be pursued immediately and without delay. This is to avoid further bloodshed, as is happening in Gaza, where many innocent civilian victims have been caused by the Israeli army's attacks.
2 State Solution - Israel and Palestine
Cardinal Parolin explained, "peace can only be based on justice. The Latins liked to say, "Opus iustitiae pax," there can be no peace among men without justice. It seems to me that the greatest possible justice in the Holy Land is the two-state solution, which would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security, meeting the aspirations of the majority." "This solution, which is supported by the international community, has recently seemed to some, on both sides, to be no longer feasible. For others, it never was. The Holy See is convinced of the opposite and continues to support it."
"It is just—indeed, essential—that in this conflict, as in any other, humanitarian law be fully respected."
Parolin noted, "A solution can be found in direct dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, encouraged and supported by the international community, even though it will be more difficult now."
Prayer
The Cardinal highlighted, "first and foremost, with prayer and spiritual and material support. These words of mine are meant to be a renewed affirmation of the affectionate closeness of the Pope and the Holy See. Christians are an essential part of the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again."
Let us pray for the Israelis; let us pray for the Palestinians; let us pray for Christians, Jews, and Muslims: For the peace of Jerusalem pray... For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, ‘Peace be with you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord, our God, I pray for your good.” (Psalm 122:6-9).
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/cardinal-parolin-holy-see-interview-israel-gaza-war-hostages.html