Pope Francis has used his Wednesday General Audience to appeal for peace between Israel and Palestine.
The Gaza Strip has become a fierce battleground following an attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, which led to a swift response by the Israel Defense Forces, including a bombing campaign on targets in Gaza.
On Sunday, the Pope had addressed the conflict, calling for peace between the two parties, but doubled down on Wednesday.
“I continue to follow what is happening in Israel and Palestine with tears and apprehension: many people killed, others injured,” the Holy Father said.
“I pray for those families who have seen a feast day transformed into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be released immediately. It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which the Palestinians are living in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims.”
He said Israel and Palestine should be looking for dialogue, not war.
“Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, revenge, and only cause each to other suffer,” the Pope said.
“The Middle East does not need war, but peace, a peace built on dialogue and the courage of fraternity.”
Less than a week after Hamas first attacked Israel, more than 3,000 people (mainly civilians) have died, while more than 10,000 have been injured.