VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his call for an end to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, calling for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza, describing the situation as “very serious”.
“I continue to think about the serious situation in Palestine and Israel, where many people have lost their lives,” he said after the traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
“I am begging you in the name of God to stop, to cease fire,” he said.
“I hope that all options are explored, that we absolutely avoid an extension of the conflict, that we can help the wounded and that aid can reach Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is very serious, and that the hostages are released immediately. “
Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people and taking 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities, in the deadliest attack in the country’s history.
Israel responded by mercilessly bombing the besieged Gaza Strip, killing more than 9,770 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The Pope had previously called for an end to the fighting and for allowing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Last month, he spoke with US President Joe Biden about “conflict situations in the world and the need to find a way to peace”, the Vatican said.
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