Pope calls Israel to respect UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

Source: United Nations, Pontifex on X

Following a series of recent incidents in which at least five UN peacekeepers were injured after coming under fire from the Israeli army, Pope Francis has appealed for the troops to be "respected." Nearly 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries are stationed in Lebanon, alongside around 800 civilian staff.

Writing on X on Sunday, Pope Francis said: I continue to follow events in the Middle East with concern. I once again call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. The paths of diplomacy and dialogue must be pursued to achieve peace.

"I am close to all the populations involved, in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon, where I ask the United Nations peacekeeping forces to be respected."

"Brothers and sisters, war is an illusion," he writes. "It is a defeat, and it will never bring peace or security. War is a defeat for everyone, especially those who believe themselves to be invincible. Stop, please."

The Pope also appealed for peace in Ukraine, saying: "I appeal for Ukrainians not to be left to die of cold, and that air attacks on the civilian population must cease, as they are always the most affected. Stop killing innocent people!"

On Saturday Pope Francis wrote: "I appeal to the international community to work to end the spiral of revenge in the Middle East and prevent further attacks that could force the region into an even greater war."

"Let us #PrayTogether for those who seek war and those who spark them, stir them up senselessly, prolong them uselessly, or cynically profit from them. May God enlighten their hearts, and set before their eyes the trail of misfortune they cause!"