NEWS
Pope condemns attacks on civilians in Gaza: ‘It is war; it is terrorism’
Cardinal Parolin meets with delegation from Arab League
Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as fighting rages on across the Strip
LINKS
THIS WEEK IN PALESTINE
Message from the Ambassador
I was honored by the trust given to me by President Mahmoud Abbas to appoint me as Ambassador to the Holy See. This comes after the passing away of one of our legends in the Palestinian diplomacy, late Shawqi Armalii, who carried this task from another legend, Ambassador Afif Safieh.
Presenting my credentials to his Holiness in December 2013 paved the way for fostering further the bilateral relations bearing in mind that the Holy See upgraded the status of the Palestinian mission to an Embassy: The Embassy of the state of Palestine, in accordance with the U.N. resolution recognizing Palestine as an observer state issued on 29 November 2012.
When talking about the bilateral relations, one cannot overlook the role of the late President Yasser Arafat, whose role was instrumental in fine-tuning them during the time of St. Pope John. This culminated into signing the basic agreement between the two sides in 2000.
The peace pilgrimage and the Ecumenical meeting in Jerusalem followed by the Peace Prayer in the Vatican City in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis, Mahmoud Abbas and Shimon Peres planted the seed of peace in the Holy Land. With all the difficulties we are facing today, I am confident that this holy seed will bear fruit, where bridges not walls will be built, as justice and peace will prevail in Palestine. This would mean that the Palestinian people would exercise their self-determination and regain their freedom and dignity, living in co-existence with its neighbors.
The role of the embassy will continue to take this mission and to raise the Palestinian voice including working for the consolidation of the Palestinian Christian presence in the Holy Land, which faces many challenges ahead.
As the Holy Bible says: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Luke 6:20-23).
Comprehensive Agreement
BETHLEHEM REBORN Exhibition
Publications by the Embassy
Latest Activity's
Gran Magistero OESSH15 h · “Betlemme piange l’assenza di pellegrini mentre Roma ne attende milioni”. Con queste parole…
Interview by H.E. Ambassador Issa KassissiehInterview.pdf
Speech by His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas at the 79th session of the United Nations…
EVENTS
Meeting with the members of the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation and Patrons of this Foundation about the future developments and contributions of the University.
Signing of the Pact of Friendship between the municipalities of Gubbio and Bethlehem, which emphasized the communion of human, cultural and religious values. The event was attended…
Ceremony at the Sovereign Military Order of Malta on the occasion of the Feast of St John Baptist, Patron of the Order of Malta, in the Church…
H.E. Ambassador Issa Kassissieh attended the meeting with H.E. Mons. Giovanni D’Ercole, Bishop of Ascoli Piceno, and local authorities at the Bishop’s Palace and visited the the…
H.E. Ambassador Issa Kassissieh took part in the “Lamp of Peace” award ceremony to His Majesty Abdullah II, King of Jordan, attended by Queen Rania of Jordan,…
H.E. Ambassador Issa Kassissieh expresses appreciation, on behalf of Palestine, to His Holiness’ effort to set the foundations for a comprehensive humanitarian brotherhood, February 03, 2019 Attached…
The Grand Master, Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, receives the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Sovereign Order of Malta for the traditional audience of…
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the members of the Diplomatic Coprs accredited to the Holy See click here Attached File(s): Address of the Dean of the Diplomatic…