Concerned about the total siege, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East during a general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, where he spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian armed conflict.
The Middle East does not need war, but peace: peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of brotherhood, Pope Francis said at the general hearing held on St. Peter's Square on Wednesday.
He said that he continues to follow the events in Israel and the Palestinian territories with pain and concern. As he said, he prays for the families for whom a holiday turned into a day of mourning.
I ask that the hostages be released immediately
Pope Francis declared at the end of the usual audience on Wednesday.
He added that the party suffering the attack has the right to defend itself, but
“I am very concerned about the total siege that the Palestinians are living in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims. Terrorism and extremism do not help to find a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, they only fuel hatred, violence, revenge and cause suffering for both sides."
In his previous speech on Sunday, Pope Francis urged an end to violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
MTI
Featured image: Vatican News
