Vatican Cardinal condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza as “ongoing massacre”
Vatican City: The Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has strongly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, describing it as an “ongoing massacre” of a defenceless population. His remarks, published on Monday, mark one of the Catholic Church’s most severe condemnations of Israel’s actions since the war began.
Speaking on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli communities, Parolin called those attacks “inhuman and indefensible” and urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages. However, he maintained that Israel’s response had violated the principle of proportionality.
“Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defence must respect proportionality,” said Parolin, who serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State and one of Pope Leo’s closest aides. “The war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenceless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble.”
Parolin further stated that the international community appeared “powerless” and that nations with real influence had “failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre.” He questioned the morality of continuing to supply weapons “being used against civilians,” though he did not name specific countries.
Since the 2023 Hamas-led assault that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 67,000 people, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Under Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has intensified its criticism of Israel’s blockade and military actions, urging greater humanitarian access and pressing the issue in diplomatic meetings, including a September discussion with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Parolin concluded, “It’s not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen.”
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
