VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis Urges Immediate Halt to Violence in Gaza
On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an immediate stop to the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need to resume conversations aimed at releasing hostages and achieving a lasting ceasefire.
In his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow over the renewed heavy bombardment in Gaza, which has resulted in numerous casualties. His remarks came shortly after he was released from the hospital, where he had been treated for over five weeks.
“I ask for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the courage to restart dialogue so that all hostages can be freed, and a lasting peace can be achieved,” the Pope said, as he prepared to return to the Vatican.
He highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, calling for urgent action from both the conflicting sides and the global community to address the situation.
