Pope Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Gaza Conflict

During his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis expressed sorrow over the suffering of the Palestinian and Israeli people due to the ongoing conflict. He urged all sides to work towards an immediate ceasefire.

The Pope said “enough, please” and questioned if building a better world involved such immense destruction that harms innocent lives. He called for an end to hostilities and renewed his appeal for the release of detainees as well as increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Violence has raged for over a year since Hamas launched rockets into Israel in October 2023, leading to large-scale Israeli military operations in Gaza. Casualty figures remain disputed by both sides amid accusations of unlawful tactics and disproportionate force.

The enclave suffers from serious shortages of basic necessities under an Israeli blockade, leaving many displaced and reliant on outside relief. International bodies continue monitoring the humanitarian situation and investigating alleged violations of international law.

Both sides stand accused by critics while also claiming the right to self-defense. The Pope emphasized the immense suffering on all sides and the need for compassion to achieve a resolution respecting human dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.