Zuppi: 'What is happening in the West Bank is unacceptable'

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), has declared the ongoing events in the West Bank "unacceptable." Speaking on the sidelines of the Rimini Meeting, Zuppi stressed the critical need to protect coexistence and human rights, stating, "It is unthinkable that the rights of all, particularly Arabs, are trampled and humiliated."

Zuppi affirmed that efforts to provide aid will continue, with actions to be determined in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He contrasted the security found in "enclaves" with the Gospel's message, urging a move away from division towards universal communion. "This is called communion and it is always dynamic and inclusive," he said, quoting Pope Francis's call to detach from what divides and connect with the suffering world.

The cardinal advocated for combating enmity with friendship, echoing Pope Leo's message to "go out to meet everyone." He highlighted God's continuous gathering of a universal family, especially in times of "insolent arrogance of power" and closed-off identities. Zuppi asserted that the Church, while in the world, is not of the world, and therefore feels a decisive responsibility towards it.

Separately, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that a 14-year-old Palestinian, Islam Ahmad Ajjouri, died after being shot during an Israeli military raid in the Askar Al-Jadid refugee camp east of Nablus. The report states Ajjouri was hit in the chest and taken to the hospital in critical condition. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet issued a comment on the incident.