Pope Francis Urges Immediate Aid and Cease-Fire in Gaza Crisis

Pope Francis called for urgent humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and urged Israel and Hamas to quickly agree to a cease-fire and the release of hostages. In his Sunday blessing, he thanked Jordan for hosting an upcoming aid conference and reminded the international community of the courage needed for peace.

Pope Francis has called for urgent humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza and urged both Israel and Hamas to immediately agree to cease-fire proposals and release hostages. The pontiff made these appeals during his Sunday noon blessing.

He thanked Jordan for organizing an international humanitarian aid conference for Palestinians, set to take place this week. “I encourage the international community to act urgently, with all means, to come to the aid of the people of Gaza, worn out by the war,” Francis said.

He reflected on the 10-year anniversary of a peace prayer he hosted at the Vatican, which was attended by then-Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. “This meeting showed that shaking hands is possible, and that to make peace, you need courage — much more courage than to make war,” he remarked.

The pope expressed his support for existing cease-fire proposals, hoping for their quick acceptance despite the challenges in negotiations. “I hope that the peace proposals on all fronts that have been presented and for the release of hostages will be accepted immediately for the sake of the Palestinians and Israelis,” he said.