Agenzia Fides

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of today's general audience, the Holy Father Benedict XVI appealed for an end to violence in the Middle East: "I am following with great concern the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. Along with the prayerful support for the victims and for those who suffer, I feel obliged to reiterate once again that hatred and violence are not the solution to the problems. I also encourage the initiatives and efforts of those who are trying to obtain a ceasefire and to promote negotiations. I also urge the authorities of both Parties to adopt bold decisions in favor of peace and to put an end to a conflict with negative repercussions throughout the Middle East Region, troubled by too many fights and in need of peace and reconciliation." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2012)