(MENAFN) Pope Leo met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the first time on Thursday, where the two leaders deliberated on the pressing necessity of allowing humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip and emphasized the importance of advancing a two-state resolution to bring an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"During the cordial talks, it was recognized that there is an urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and to end the conflict by pursuing a two-State solution," the Holy See press office stated in a concise announcement.

According to the statement, the encounter was held in observance of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the "Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine."

The document, which was officially signed on June 26, 2015, highlights the shared dedication of both parties to supporting Palestinian self-determination and endorsing the two-state proposal.

During his visit, Abbas also paid his respects at Pope Francis’ tomb located in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Speaking to journalists, he expressed deep gratitude toward the late pope’s actions in favor of Palestine and its citizens.

"I cannot forget that he recognized Palestine without anyone having to ask him to do so," Vatican News reported Abbas as saying.

The Israeli military’s campaign, launched in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 69,000 Palestinians and left more than 170,000 wounded amid severe hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

A truce was brokered last month, following a 20-point proposal introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

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