2010-06-02 12:01:31

Pope’s Heart Heavy for Gaza


(02 Jun 10 – RV) With only two days to go to Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Cyprus, where he will present the working guidelines for the October Synod for Churches in the Middle East, the Holy Father’s thoughts turned to the people of Gaza.

At the end of his Wednesday audience he said: “With great trepidation I followed the tragic events that occurred near the Gaza Strip. I feel the need to express my heartfelt condolences for the victims of these painful events, which worry those who care about peace in the region. Again I say with a heavy heart that violence does not solve disputes, but increases their tragic consequences and generates more violence. I appeal to those who have political responsibilities, locally and internationally, to relentlessly seek just solutions through dialogue, to ensure the people of the best living conditions, harmony and serenity. Invite you to join me in prayer for the victims, their relatives and those who suffer. The Lord will support the efforts of those who never tire of working for reconciliation and peace”.

His comments come as Israel, facing mounting international outrage at its raid on an aid convoy sailing to Gaza which resulted in nine deaths, said that it would expel all activists seized on the ships and dropped threats to prosecute some of them.

The Gaza Strip has been blockaded by Israel since June 2007, when Hamas took control of the Palestinian territory in the course of the Battle of Gaza (2007) from rival Palestinian group Fatah.

Egypt, which had also observed the blockade, opened its crossing to Gaza on Tuesday morning.

1.5 million people live in the Gaza Strip RealAudioMP3








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