Israel Lodges Complaint Over Vatican Official's Comments on Gaza Situation
Israel has filed a formal complaint after Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, made comments regarding the Israeli military operation in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on October 7. The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See expressed its regret, stating that Parolin had not taken into account all the relevant facts before passing judgment on the legitimacy of Israel's actions.
During a reception on Tuesday, Cardinal Parolin denounced the Hamas attacks and all forms of antisemitism but questioned Israel's claim of acting in self-defense by causing what he referred to as 'carnage' in Gaza. He argued that with a reported death toll of 30,000, the Israeli operation cannot be deemed proportional.
This is not the first time Israel has expressed its objections to the Vatican's stance on the conflict. Pope Francis had previously used the term 'terrorism' when discussing the situation, which drew criticism from Israel. However, in recent times, the Pope has attempted to strike a more balanced tone and even wrote a letter reaffirming the special relationship between Christians and Jews.
In response to Parolin's comments, the Israeli Embassy condemned Hamas for turning the Gaza Strip into 'the biggest terrorist base ever seen.' They maintained that the actions of the Israeli armed forces are in accordance with international law. Additionally, the embassy pointed out that the proportion of Palestinian civilians to 'terrorists' killed in the conflict is lower than in other conflicts, such as those in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Initially, the Israeli Embassy used the term 'deplorevole' (Italian for deplorable) to describe Parolin's comments in a statement emailed to Vatican journalists. However, they later clarified that the original statement was written in English and had referred to Parolin's comments as 'regrettable.'
The Vatican, on the other hand, has stood by its position. In an editorial published in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, titled 'Stop the Carnage,' Andrea Tornielli, the editorial director, reiterated the Vatican's stance. Tornielli quoted Edith Bruck, a Holocaust survivor and Rome resident who has been critical of the Israeli government's response, blaming it for the increase in antisemitic acts worldwide. Tornielli argued that what was happening in Gaza could not be classified as mere 'collateral damage' resulting from the fight against terrorism. He emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself and seek justice for the October massacre, this should not justify indiscriminate killing.
The dispute between Israel and the Vatican over the situation in Gaza continues to raise sensitive issues. Both sides express their concerns passionately, but finding a path towards a peaceful resolution remains a challenge. The international community closely watches the developments, hoping for a just and lasting solution that can bring peace to the region.
