Pope Francis has called for the continuation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the release of all hostages and access of humanitarian aid to the territory.
The 87-year-old Pope, who was unwell, appealed for the Holy Land at the end of his general audience on Wednesday morning at 11.29 am.
We hope that the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza will continue and that all hostages will be released so that the necessary humanitarian assistance can enter.”
May you continue to pray for the serious situation in Israel and Palestine,” the Pope said. “Peace, peace please.”
Calling for an extension of the temporary ceasefire, he noted that he recently spoke by phone with the Holy family of the Catholic Diocese of Gaza.
“They don’t have water; they don’t have bread; ordinary people suffer; people suffer,” he said. “It is not the people who wage war who suffer.”
“Let us now,” Pope Francis added, “Let’s not forget the dear Ukrainian people who are still fighting many suffering and wars while seeking peace and seeking peace.””
“War is always a defeat,” he concluded. “Everyone loses. Well, everyone – there is a group that earns a lot. Those who make weapons. They earn a lot from the death of others.”
Hamas and Israel agreed to a 48-hour extension of the armistice on Monday, which is expected to end without another extension at midnight on Wednesday.
