The Vatican said on Thursday that the announcement on Monday by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the United States would no longer view Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria as illegal under international law puts at risk the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
“In the context of recent decisions that risk undermining further the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the already fragile regional stability, the Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples, as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict,” said the Vatican in a statement.
“The Holy See supports the right of the State of Israel to live in peace and security within the borders recognized by the international community and supports the same right that belongs to the Palestinian people, which must be recognized, respected and implemented,” it added.