From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Pope Francis says UNIFIL peacekeepers should ‘be respected’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Pope Francis urges UNIFIL peacekeepers “to be respected.”
Writing on X, the pontiff says, “I am close to all the populations involved, in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon, where I ask the United Nations peacekeeping forces to be respected.”
He also calls for an immediate ceasefire.
“Brothers and sisters, war is an illusion,” he writes. “It is a defeat, and it will never bring peace or security. War is a defeat for everyone, especially those who believe themselves to be invincible. Stop, please.”
Meanwhile, UNIFIL head Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro visits Italian soldiers “who came under IDF fire.”
“I am fiercely proud of their courage and commitment,” says the Spanish general.
Peacekeepers in south Lebanon are working under harsh conditions. Yesterday I was able to visit Italian peacekeepers whose position has come under IDF fire and seen intense clashes between IDF and Hizbullah forces nearby. I am fiercely proud of their courage and commitment. pic.twitter.com/7CNaubxNeC
— Aroldo Lázaro (@aroldo_lazaro) October 13, 2024
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