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5 months ago
16
ARTICLE AD BOX
Pope Francis, on Sunday, called on Israel and Hamas to immediately accept ceasefire proposals and release the hostages, and also demanded urgent access to humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.
Francis also thanked Jordan, which this week is scheduled to host an international conference on humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
The Pope said: “I encourage the international community to act urgently and by all means to help the war-weary people of Gaza.”
He added: "Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need, and no one can hinder it."
Francis noted that Saturday marks the tenth anniversary of the peace prayer he held in the Vatican Gardens, attended by then-Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
“This meeting showed that shaking hands is possible, and that making peace requires courage – much greater courage than waging war,” he said.
Francis expressed his support for the ceasefire proposals, and said he hopes that the terms will be quickly accepted by both sides, although he acknowledged that the negotiations are not easy.
The Pope also said: “I hope that the peace proposals put forward on all fronts will be accepted and the hostages will be released immediately for the good of the Palestinians and the Israelis.”
English (US)