Pope Leo urges end to West Bank violence

Pope Leo has called for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope expressed concern over repeated violence targeting Palestinian civilians.

He urged the international community to take practical steps to help end the conflict and advance efforts for a two-state solution.

The Pope said lasting peace would require a fair political settlement that guarantees the rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

His comments come amid growing tensions in several parts of the West Bank. Violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians has increased, while restrictions and confrontations have added to concerns among local residents.

The situation in the village of Qusra has also drawn attention. Reports have described severe restrictions on residents, including disruptions to essential services and movement.

Rights organisations have raised concerns that increasing settler activity and pressure on Palestinian communities could contribute to further displacement and the expansion of Israeli settlements.

The Vatican has consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state settlement. More than 150 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine.

The future of the West Bank remains one of the central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians seek the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem as the basis of an independent state.

Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has remained a major source of international criticism. Palestinian officials and rights groups say the continued expansion threatens the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state.

The Israeli government, however, disputes the international characterisation of the West Bank as occupied territory and considers it disputed land.