"A war without limits": That is how Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, described the situation in Gaza during a phone interview Friday evening, 18 July, with the news program TG2 Post produced by Italy's public broadcaster RAI. The Cardinal spoke of a situation that has gone beyond any limits and marked a grave development, calling for transparency regarding last Thursday’s military attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, which caused three deaths and ten injuries, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

Concerning the many ongoing wars, he reiterated that the Holy See is always open to mediation, but that “mediation,” he emphasized, “only works when both sides accept it.” He also commented on the phone call that took place yesterday between the Pope and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Following are excerpts of the interview of RAI TG2 Post with Cardinal Parolin:

How do you view Prime Minister Netanyahu’s phone call to the Pope?
I believe it was appropriate; it was absolutely necessary to explain to the Pope directly and to inform him about what happened, given the gravity of the incident. So I see the call as a positive gesture, and I find the Israeli Prime Minister’s desire to speak directly with Pope Leo to be positive. Now, I think there are three things to expect following this phone call to the Pope: First of all, the real results of the promised investigation must be made known. The initial explanation given was that it was a mistake, but there were assurances there would be an investigation into the matter. So, it’s essential that this investigation be carried out seriously and that its findings be shared publicly. Secondly, after so many words, we finally need to see actions. I truly hope that what the Prime Minister said can become a reality as soon as possible, because the situation in Gaza is truly unbearable.

It seems like we’re facing a war without any limits…
It certainly is a war without limits, based on what we’ve seen. How can a population like that of Gaza be destroyed and starved like this? Many boundaries have already been crossed. We’ve said it from the beginning as the Holy See’s diplomatic corps: the well-known issue of proportionality. Regarding this specific episode, if what you’ve described is accurate, it marks a dramatic development. Again, I say: let’s take the time needed to truly understand what happened—whether it really was a mistake, something which can legitimately be doubted, or whether there was a deliberate intent to strike a Christian church, knowing how Christians serve as a moderating force in the Middle East, including in relations between Palestinians and Jews. If that’s the case, it would mean that once again, there’s an intention to eliminate any element that might help lead to at least a ceasefire, and eventually, peace.

There are many open war fronts. What more can the Holy See do in terms of diplomatic mediation?
We remain open—indeed, we offer our assistance. This has been done on several occasions. Beyond that, I truly see it as difficult to take further steps, especially because if we use the word “mediation” in its technical sense, it only works when both parties accept it. There must be willingness from each of the two sides in the conflict—two countries or two populations—to accept the Holy See’s mediation. We will continue to insist, as we always have, without losing hope, but technically it’s very difficult. As you’ve seen, even the many mediations not involving the Vatican haven’t worked so far. Political will is needed to end a war, knowing that the cost of war is terrible for everyone in every way.

Do you see that political will?
Unfortunately… I don’t want to be too negative… I hope so. You mentioned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s words about a ceasefire being close: I’d like to believe it.