Pope Francis on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, urged the Hamas militant group to release all hostages captured during its weekend attack on Israel and expressed grave concerns about the “total” Israeli siege imposed on Gaza.
“I appeal to the conscience of those who are holding these people captive: please release them immediately,” the Pope said during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
“Violence is never the answer,” he added. “It only generates more violence and suffering.”
“I pray for those families who saw a feast day turn into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be immediately released,” he said during his weekly audience.
Referring to Israel’s response to Hamas, Francis said: “It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried by the total siege in which Palestinians in Gaza live, where there have also been many innocent victims.”
The Pope also expressed his concern for the people of Gaza, who have been living under a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007.
“I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” the Pope said. “The total siege imposed on the territory has caused immense suffering to the people living there.”
“I urge the international community to do everything in its power to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and to help them to rebuild their lives,” he added.
The Pope’s appeal comes at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. Hamas launched a rocket attack on Israel on Friday, October 7, 2023, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes on Gaza.
The fighting has killed at least 600 people in Gaza and 900 in Israel.
The Pope has repeatedly called for peace in the Middle East and has urged both Israelis and Palestinians to engage in dialogue and diplomacy.
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