Vatican City: The Holy See has once again urged the international community to push harder for peace in the Middle East, reaffirming its strong support for a two state solution and for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Speaking at the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer, said the region continues to suffer from deep cycles of violence despite being a place rich in faith and history. He warned that lasting peace can only be reached through patient dialogue, cooperation and multilateral efforts, not through force.
Archbishop Caccia repeated the Holy See’s belief that Israelis and Palestinians must one day be able to live side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. He called on world leaders to redouble their diplomatic engagement to help both peoples move toward stability and reconciliation.
He also praised the work of UNRWA, which for over seventy years has provided education, healthcare, food assistance and social services for Palestinian refugees across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. The Archbishop noted that the agency continues its mission despite growing challenges and dangers on the ground. He expressed sorrow for UNRWA staff who have lost their lives while serving vulnerable communities.
Calling humanitarian access a moral duty and a legal requirement, he condemned attacks on UNRWA schools, offices and hospitals. Such places, he said, along with houses of worship, must always remain safe spaces for civilians.
Archbishop Caccia stressed that UNRWA must be allowed to carry out its work based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. He said these standards should guide all areas of the agency’s administration and staff recruitment so it can remain a trusted source of support.
The Holy See urged all member states to strengthen their political and financial contributions to UNRWA, saying the agency supports hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.
He concluded by reminding governments that any changes to UNRWA’s mandate must be discussed only within the framework of the UN General Assembly so that decisions reflect the shared responsibility of all nations.