The Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, receives a Palestinian delegation in Cairo, 29 May, 2024.
The Palestinian delegation included Minister of Tourism Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Farsin Shaheen, and Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Diab Al-Louh.
During the meeting, which took place at the papal headquarters in Cairo, Pope Tawadros II and the Palestinian officials discussed the latest developments in Gaza.
The Pope praised the recent recognition of the Palestinian State by the United Nations and some European countries.
Last week, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of the Palestinian State, as several countries in the European Union plan to follow suit in an attempt to implement the two-state solution.
Pope Tawadros II welcomed that some countries are beginning to consider imposing sanctions on Israel in light of the recent events in Gaza.
The pope decried the distressing scenes of children experiencing harsh conditions and their negative impact on these children now and in the future.
In addition, he commended the efforts of the Palestinian leadership, including President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and the Palestinian government.
Since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza, Pope Tawadros II has called for an end to this brutal war on the Palestinians and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
In January, the pope said he was in deep pain over what is happening in the land of Palestine, which he described as "a departure from humanity," calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.
"The attacks are brutal, harsh and regrettable," he said during an interview with the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC).
Furthermore, Pope Tawadros II stressed that "he was praying for peace and security in these lands and for God to make those in leadership positions listen to reason."
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