Pope has always defended rights - Palestinian community

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 17 - The pope has always defended human rights, Rome's Palestinian community said after Francis called in a new book for a probe into a possible Israeli genocide in Gaza.
    "We have always thanked His Holiness for taking a stand in defense of human rights, justice and peace in the world and particularly for recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the creation of their free and independent state," said Yousef Salman, president of the Palestinian Community of Rome and Lazio.
    "Pope Francis has always expressed concern for the long suffering of the Palestinian people and the atrocities in the Middle East, calling for respect for United Nations resolutions and international legality". (ANSA).