Relatives of Palestinians living in Loop that today were received by the Pope Francisco They assured that the pontiff recognized that the actions of Israel in response to the attack of Hamas They are a “genocide” and they invited him to travel to the Stripe because “his presence can comfort the people who live in the region.”
“We had no expectations of visiting the pope. He was very clear, the word genocide did not come from our mouths, but from the voice of Pope Francis“, said Shareem Hielwho has lost two of his uncles due to the lack of anesthesia in Loopat a press conference in Rome held after his meeting with the pontiff.
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The pontiff received today at the Vatican to ten Palestinians who have relatives living in Loopas well as a group of twelve relatives of Israeli hostages held by the Islamist group Hamas since last October 7.
“Genocide was the exact word he pronounced“, he assured Yousef Al Khuriwho added that “In fact, in the first 10 minutes he told us about what he already knows about Gaza, and described what is happening as a genocide”.
Shortly after, while the press conference was still being held, the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruniassured: “I don’t know that he used such words. He used the terms she used during the General Audience and words that, in any case, represent the terrible situation of Loop.”
But relatives insisted that Francisco pronounced “the word genocide” and Al Khuri explained that the pope made it clear that “Terror cannot justify terror.”
“He holy Father has a lot of power in the world and can ask for a ceasefire, but this is not the only request we have made. We ask that you use your power to personally go and visit Loopto put an end to this genocide, because we believe that your presence can comfort the people living in the region”he added.
And he explained that the pope told them that it is a good idea and that he will talk about it with his diplomats.
“He holy Father I knew that Gaza has no water, and that people use salt water. She knows that there is no electricity and medicine and that the basic needs of the Palestinians are not provided.”said Hiel, who insisted that “the world needs to know that there is no conflict with Israel and there is no peace with Israel, because peace needs justice.”
Khadega Darabha Palestinian who lives in Belgium and that he has lost nine relatives in Loopexplained that the Pope “He showed sympathy and that he understands the situation in Loop. He began the meeting by sharing with us the news that he is receiving about the conflict, which shows how involved he is.”
Franciscohe added, “has insisted on a ceasefire. But a ceasefire is not enough, and what we have heard on the news is just a humanitarian pause, not a ceasefire. Because it maintains the status quo so that another genocide happens again after a month, a year, or even two years.”
