HOSTAGES. Pope Francis on Wednesday (Oct. 11, 2023) calls for the immediate release of hostages being held by Hamas rebels. Francis also recognized that Israel has a right to defend itself from the attacks. (ANSA)
ROME –Pope Francis on Wednesday called for the immediate release of the hostages being held by Hamas rebels as he expressed concern over Israel’s siege of Gaza.
"So many people killed, others injured. I pray for those families who have seen a day of celebration (the the Sukkot holiday) turn into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be released immediately,” the 86-year-old pontiff said during his weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square.
Francis recognized that Israel has the right to self-defense after the attacks by Hamas, including massacres of civilians, while adding that he is worried about the situation in Gaza.
Israel has pounded Gaza with deadly airstrikes over the last few days and cut off food and fuel supplies.
"It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims," the pope said.
"Terrorism and extremism do not help to reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but instead feed hatred, violence, revenge, and only make both sides suffer.
"The Middle East does not need war, but peace: a peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of fraternity," Francis added. (ANSA)
