ope Francis has issued a strong appeal for the immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the urgent release of all hostages. Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope emphasized the humanitarian toll of the renewed violence and called on all parties to return to dialogue.
“So Many Dead and Wounded”
“I am saddened by the resumption of intense Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip, which have caused so many deaths and injuries,” the Pope said, as reported by Digi24.
He called for “the immediate silencing of weapons” and expressed hope that “courage can be found to resume dialogue so that all hostages may be freed and a definitive ceasefire achieved.”
This marked his first public address since returning to the Vatican following more than five weeks of hospitalization.
Grave Humanitarian Conditions
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is once again very serious,” the Pope warned, calling for urgent involvement from both the parties to the conflict and the international community. He underscored the need for collective responsibility in ensuring civilian safety and restoring peace.
The plea comes as Israel launches a renewed military offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, while continuing operations in the northern part of the enclave. Over 520 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since Tuesday, according to Gaza’s civil defense authorities.
In parallel, Israel also carried out airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions and intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, adding to the regional tensions.
Pope Francis’s remarks are the latest in a series of Vatican efforts to push for de-escalation and humanitarian relief in one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.
