Pope Francis urged this Sunday that humanitarian aid access to Gaza is allowed, something that “no one can prevent,” and appealed to the international community to take urgent steps to help the population of the Strip.
“I encourage the international community to act urgently by all means to help the war-ravaged population of Gaza“Francisco said during his words at the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
“Humanitarian aid It must be able to reach those who need it and no one can stop it“added the pontiff, after eight months of shortages of food, water, medicine or basic supplies affecting the Palestinian enclave due to Israeli access restrictions.
In turn, the pope reiterated his support “to the ongoing negotiations between the parties” to reach a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas that has been going on for eight months.
“I hope that the peace proposals for a ceasefire on all fronts and for the release of the hostages be accepted immediately for the good of the Palestinians and the Israelis.”said.
Francis mentioned that on Tuesday “a international conference on the humanitarian situation in Gaza“, and thanked Jordan, Egypt and the UN for taking this initiative.
On the other hand, the pontiff made reference to the meeting in the Holy See that took place a decade ago – and of which this week marked the tenth anniversary – between the then Israeli president, the late Shimon Peres, and the still Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas.
According to the pope, this meeting showed that “It is possible to shake hands and that to make peace you need courage, much more courage than to make war.“.
Francis also urged “do not forget the martyred Ukrainian people, that the more they suffer, the more they long for peace“, and also made reference to the situation of Myanmar.
