Pope Francis, in his strongest comments since the start of the conflict in Gaza, on Wednesday called for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas militants and said Israel has a right to defend itself.

Pope Francis, in his strongest comments since the start of the conflict in Gaza, on Wednesday called for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas militants and said Israel has a right to defend itself.

Speaking in a sombre voice at the end of his weekly general audience to thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, he also expressed grave concern over Israel’s siege imposed on Gaza.

“I continue to follow, with pain and apprehension, what is happening in Israel and Palestine. So many people killed, and others wounded. 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.

“It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried by the total siege in which Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims,” he said.

On Saturday, Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip rampaged through parts of southern Israel, in the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israel’s history.

Israel’s military said the death toll in Israel had reached 1,200 by Wednesday and more than 2,700 people had been wounded.

  • hoshikarakitaridiaEnglish
    91·
    1 year ago

    That’s the difference between self defense and an eye for an eye.

    If they punch you and you break their arm and run away, that’s a slam dunk case of self defense.

    If they punch you and you kill their mother, well…

    Unfortunately considering the long history of the conflict and the obscene hostility on both fronts (they probably have good reasons to be fair), the second scenario seems more likely and that concerns me. And I don’t think the result of this helps anyone.