Holy See Calls for Two-State Solution and Strengthened Support for UNRWA
The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine during a recent address to the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful resolution in the region. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN, highlighted the enduring humanitarian needs of Palestinians and the critical role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. He stressed that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through patient multilateral engagement rather than the use of force, and underscored the moral responsibility of the international community to ensure access to humanitarian aid. The Holy See expressed concern for ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises, advocating for protection and dignity for all affected communities, particularly children, women, and the elderly who rely on education, healthcare, and social services provided by UNRWA.
Archbishop Caccia emphasized the essential nature of UNRWA’s work, noting the challenges faced by its personnel and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of humanitarian service. He highlighted that attacks on schools, hospitals, and offices undermine the agency’s capacity to provide aid and violate principles of international humanitarian law. The Holy See called on all parties to maintain the inviolability of institutions that shelter and care for civilians and stressed the importance of safeguarding the agency’s mandate. Archbishop Caccia also underlined the significance of political and financial support from Member States, emphasizing that such support is vital to sustaining the lives and well-being of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have no alternative access to essential services. The Holy See reaffirmed that decisions regarding UNRWA should respect collective responsibility and the shared will of the international community.
In addition to advocating for the protection and support of vulnerable populations, Archbishop Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s concern for the ethical administration and neutrality of UNRWA. He emphasized that the agency must remain firmly anchored in principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and integrity, and that staff recruitment and management should reflect these values. The Holy See’s address emphasized that humanitarian assistance must be delivered in a manner that preserves dignity, fosters trust, and promotes solidarity among communities affected by conflict. By calling for renewed diplomatic efforts, the Holy See signaled the importance of multilateral engagement in resolving enduring conflicts while highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to justice, peace, and ethical stewardship of humanitarian resources. Archbishop Caccia’s message underscored the Church’s role as an advocate for human rights and global moral responsibility in international affairs.
