New York City Council Member Jim Gennaro has publicly challenged Pope Leo's recent advocacy for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Arab conflict. While expressing deep respect for the Pontiff's commitment to peace, Gennaro argued that the Pope's vision overlooks a long history of Palestinian leadership rejecting such proposals. He cited multiple past negotiations, including the Camp David Accords and the Annapolis Conference, as examples of Israel's attempts to reach a two-state agreement, which he says were consistently rebuffed.

Gennaro emphasized that Palestinian leadership has never genuinely pursued a two-state solution and has repeatedly refused to accept the existence of a sovereign Jewish state. He referenced the aftermath of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, claiming it led to increased violence rather than peaceful coexistence. Gennaro warned that Pope Leo's calls, though well-intentioned, risk misrepresenting the entrenched realities of the conflict.

Highlighting the coexistence of Muslims and Jews within Israel, Gennaro suggested that this should serve as a model for the region. He urged Pope Leo to use his moral authority to encourage Palestinian leaders to embrace coexistence, rather than focusing solely on aspirations for a two-state solution.