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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: November 5, 2006 |
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Pope Benedict XVI told the faithful Sunday that he was very worried about the "grave deterioration" of the situation in Gaza, and called on all sides to work to stop the bloodshed and to immediately resume direct and concrete negotiations.
"I am following with deep worry the news about the grave deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, and I want to express my closeness to the civilian population, which is suffering the consequences of the acts of violence," Benedict said, speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square.
Israel launched an offensive in and around the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun last week to try to halt rocket fire on southern Israeli towns. Palestinian officials say 45 Palestinians have been killed so far during the five-day offensive.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert refused to say Sunday when the offensive would end.
Benedict urged the faithful to join him in prayer so God would "illuminate the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as those of nations which have a special responsibility in the region, so that they work to end the bloodshed, to multiply the initiatives of humanitarian aid and to favor the immediate resumption of direct, serious and concrete negotiations."
On Saturday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked the U.N. Security Council for urgent intervention to stop the Israeli offensive, his spokesman said.
Israel withdrew its troops and settlements from Gaza last year, but later sent forces back in after Palestinian militants tunneled into Israel and kidnapped an Israeli soldier.
Benedict made several impassioned pleas earlier this year for a cease-fire during the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon. He expressed dismay that the conflict in the Middle East has dragged on for so long, and lamented the lack of dialogue to bring enduring peace. |
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