Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal to respect the mission of the United Nations Interim Forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), after several UN soldiers were injured by gunfire or explosions during Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
The Pope said during the Angelus prayer in Rome that he was following the situation in the Middle East with great concern. “I once again call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let us follow the path of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.”
The pope’s comments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on peacekeepers in Lebanon to withdraw from their positions in the conflict zone.
The attacks on UN soldiers and their headquarters in southern Lebanon a few days ago have sparked outrage worldwide, including among Israel’s close allies.