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Pope says flotilla raid violence left him with 'heavy heart'
A Vatican document leaked Tuesday called the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories a "political injustice," Italy's ANSA news agency reported
- AFP
- Published: 16:35 June 2, 2010
- Image Credit: AP
- Vatican has said the raid "will not influence" the pope's trip to Cyprus, from which the flotilla set off.
Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI said violence during an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid left him with "a heavy heart."
A Vatican document leaked Tuesday called the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories a "political injustice," Italy's ANSA news agency reported.
The occupation is a "political injustice imposed on the Palestinians," said the Instrumentum Laboris, a working document on an upcoming synod of bishops on the Middle East, embargoed for release until Sunday, when Pope Benedict is to present it during a visit to Cyprus.
The Vatican has said the raid "will not influence" the pope's trip to Cyprus, from which the flotilla set off.
"Violence does not solve disputes, but increases their tragic consequences and generates more violence," the Pope said at the end of his Wednesday audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, according to Vatican Radio.
"With great trepidation I followed the tragic events that occurred near the Gaza Strip. I feel the need to express my heartfelt condolences for the victims of these painful events, which worry those who care about peace in the region," he said.
Israeli commandos boarded the aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip in a pre-dawn raid on Monday that left at least nine passengers dead and sparked global outrage.
The Israeli military accused activists aboard the ship of provoking the bloodshed by attacking its soldiers as they boarded.
"I appeal to those who have political responsibilities, locally and internationally, to relentlessly seek just solutions through dialogue, to ensure the people of the best living conditions, harmony and serenity," the pope said.
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