New York:

The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN denounced the unprecedented escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine and demanded the pursuit of a just peace. It also called for the protection of civilians in Gaza. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia spoke before the UN General Assembly in New York about the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Monday.

He restated the Holy See's condemnation of the October 7th terrorist act, which claimed 1,400 lives and was planned by Hamas. In addition to the dead, a large number of others were injured and taken hostage by the terrorists. Thus, Archbishop Caccia reiterated the appeal made by Pope Francis, requesting the quick release of those held hostage and calling for a just peace.

The Apostolic Nuncio made the unequivocal statement that "terrorism and extremism fuel hatred, violence, and revenge, and only cause mutual suffering," as the Pope has done. The Vatican's UN envoy declared, “The Holy See calls for the absolute protection of every single civilian, as in any conflict. It is essential that no one target hospitals and medical facilities, schools, refugee camps, or places of worship and their properties.”

In the face of increasing despair, education can assist in providing every young Palestinian refugee the chance "to shape his or her future" and to take part in the pressing mission of establishing a culture of encountering and combatting all forms of terrorism, said Archbishop Caccia. He said the States of Palestine and Israel, along with the international community, must reaffirm their commitment to a just and respectful peace.

The Holy See's UN delegate said dialogue is the “only viable option for a lasting end to the cycle of violence that has engulfed this land, so dear to Christians, Jews, and Muslims, even though the path of dialogue seems very narrow at present."

"I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace," the Apostolic Nuncio said, quoting Pope Francis.

Meanwhile, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is on a five-day visit to the Middle East starting Tuesday to engage with government officials and civil society on the human rights violations taking place in the region. Turk will visit Rafah, located on the border with Gaza, on Wednesday, before he travels to the Jordanian capital of Amman on Thursday.