Holy See deplores Israeli assault, calls for improved conditions in Gaza

(June 03, 2010) “The Holy See has always opposed to the use of violence from whatever side it may come. Violence makes even more difficult the search for peaceful solutions, the only ones that can build a future of constructive coexistence,” says the Holy See Official. Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Holy See’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations was speaking during the Urgent Debate on the Israeli raid on the flotilla sailing to Gaza 14th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, on the 1^st of June. "All parties involved and the international community has a responsibility to cooperate so that the fundamental human rights of those persons are implemented," he said. The Archbishop offered to the families of the new victims, solidarity and condolences and expressed hope that recent and past victims may encourage a wide understanding that violence does not lead to enduring peace, but that dialogue, respect of rights and mutual acceptance do. He added that to make an effective dialogue possible, a full, impartial and transparent investigation into the latest incident, based upon international law and international humanitarian law, is necessary. Ascertaining all facts the Prelate said it is clear that the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza are not met and all parties involved and the international community has a responsibility to cooperate to restore the rights. Pope Benedict XVI himself has deplored the assault by Israeli commandos on a flotilla of ships taking aid to the Gaza Strip, calling the series of events "tragic" and "very painful," as well as a cause concern for all those who long for peace in the region. Speaking during his Wednesday General Audience on June 2^nd, he called on world leaders and local politicians to do all they could to improve the living conditions in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded since 2007, when the Islamic militant group Hamas took control of the territory.