Pope Francis issued a heartfelt plea on Sunday for an immediate resolution to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, expressing concerns about its potential escalation.
During his customary Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, he emphasized the destructive nature of war and urged both parties to halt hostilities, saying, “War is always a defeat, it is a destruction of human fraternity. Brothers, stop! Stop!”
The 86-year-old pontiff also reiterated his call for the creation of safe spaces, continued access for humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages.
The conflict, which began following Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7, has resulted in a significant loss of life. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, the death toll now stands at 4,651, an increase from the previous day’s figure of 4,385. Tragically, this includes 1,873 children, with an additional 14,245 people reported as wounded.
The situation in Gaza has prompted alarm over a growing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by Israel’s restriction of essential resources, including water, food, and electricity. While a limited amount of aid entered the besieged Gaza Strip on Saturday, United Nations officials have stressed that the 20 trucks allowed to cross into the region are inadequate given the “catastrophic” circumstances faced by its 2.4 million inhabitants.