Pope Leo calls for end to West Bank violence as settlers attack Palestinians in Qusra and Hebron

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for an immediate end to violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, urging international action to advance a two-state solution. The Pope's address on August 16, 2026, follows reports of intensified settler attacks, including a utility siege in Qusra and violent clashes in Hebron where Israeli soldiers shot a father and son attempting to prevent settler arson. While the Vatican and over 150 UN member states support Palestinian statehood, Israel's right-wing coalition continues expanding West Bank settlements to block such a state.

Hebron settler violence

• ▪Two Palestinians were wounded by gunfire and eight others were beaten on August 16, 2026, during clashes with Israeli settlers and soldiers in Hebron.
• ▪Israeli forces and settlers reportedly prevented ambulances from reaching two wounded Palestinians in Hebron, leaving them bleeding for approximately 40 minutes.

Qusra village siege

• ▪Israeli settlers encircled Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra after cutting off water and electricity supplies.
• ▪Rights groups described the settler actions in Qusra as part of a concerted effort to force Palestinians from their land and expand Israeli control.

Pope Leo two-state appeal

• ▪Pope Leo XIV urged the international community to take urgent action to advance a two-state solution to achieve a fair and lasting peace.
• ▪Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the repeated violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied West Bank during his Angelus prayer on August 16, 2026.

Israeli settlement expansion

• ▪The United Nations and most international governments view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law, which Israel disputes.
• ▪Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the government's settlement policy is intended to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

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