By Luis de Jesus
05 Nov 2023, 21:12 PM EST
Ebrahim Raisí, president of Iran, asked this Sunday the Argentine Pope Francis to use his influence to stop the conflict between Israel and Gaza, controlled by the Hamas terrorist group. The Iranian president described the events as “the greatest genocide of the century,” according to Efe.
“The president appreciated the position of the Catholic leader on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and asked Pope Francis, given his position in the West and remembering the countries that support the Israeli regime, to accelerate the cessation of these crimes.” The country’s Presidency said in a statement.
The Executive also asked the pontiff to correctly explain to the world “the position of the oppressed and the oppressor.”
“The bombing of the Gaza church and the destruction of the heritage of the Palestinian nation is one of the examples of apartheid practices not only against Palestinian Muslims, but against other divine religions, which is carried out with the support of the United States. United States and several European countries,” he said.
The president indicated that almost 10,000 people have died in Gaza, including 4,000 children, which is “the largest genocide of the century.” He also described the bombing of the Al-Mamadani Hospital or the refugee camp in Jabalia as crimes against humanity, Efe reported.
Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in Gaza
The Pope called this Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, “in the name of God,” for a ceasefire in Gaza. And he hopes that all possible paths will be followed to avoid an expansion of the conflict.
Israel continues the offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas, which on October 7 committed a massacre in Israeli territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday rejected a temporary ceasefire if the release of the hostages he took is not guaranteed.
“We continue with all our strength and Israel refuses a temporary truce that does not include the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said after a meeting with Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
The Prime Minister of Israel affirmed that his country “will not stop” until victory and stressed that this means the destruction of the Hamas terrorists, the return of the hostages to their families and the restoration of security.
Keep reading:
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• The United States flies drones over the Gaza Strip to help Israel search for hostages
• Israel continues the offensive in the Gaza Strip and confirms that it will not cease fire against Hamas