During his visit to Jerusalem, the Pope is called on discuss violations against Palestinian children

Around 6,000 individuals from across the world have signed a petition, handed to the Pope, calling on him to discuss the violation of children’s rights with Israeli officials during his visit to Jerusalem.

The petition called on the Pope to give most attention to Palestinian children inside Israeli jails who are less than 12 years old. The petition was handed to the Vatican before the Pope left.

Al-Sabeel Centre in Jerusalem said that the petition had the signature of more than 200 individuals from different monotheist religions, including Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Former Patriarch of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem and the Holy Land Michel Sabbah, Archbishop of Sebastia Atallah Hanna from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem and former South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu were among the first signatories.

Signatories hoped that the Pope would have mercy upon Palestinian minors inside Israeli jails while he is visiting the holy sites in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.