Pope Francis Urges Two-State Solution for Israelis, Palestinians, Calls for Special Status for Jerusalem

Hopes to prevent regional escalation and war, emphasizes peaceful co-existence and draws reference to the Oslo Accords while expressing concern over ongoing conflict and rising antisemitism.

• Pope Francis calls for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, citing their co-existence as two separate nations along the lines laid down by the Oslo Accords of 1993.
• He emphasized the creation of two well-defined states and suggested a special status for Jerusalem, despite Israel asserting it as its 'united and eternal capital.'
• The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas and the large number of civilian casualties has raised concerns of a larger regional war, which Pope Francis hopes to avoid.
• The Pope draws attention to an increase in antisemitism, stating that much of it still 'remains hidden', and emphasizes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should not overshadow other global conflicts such as those in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar.
• While Israel recognizes the right of Palestinians to govern the West Bank and Gaza Strip, problems persist with Hamas now politically in control of the Gaza Strip and engaged in continuous conflict with Israel.

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