Pope calls for ‘far more’ humanitarian aid for Gaza

GENEVA

Pope Francis on Sunday reiterated his call for “far more” humanitarian aid for Gaza.

"In Gaza, let the wounded be rescued immediately, let civilians be protected, let far more humanitarian aid be allowed to reach that stricken population," the pontiff told the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"May the weapons be stopped: they will never lead to peace, and may the conflict not widen! Enough! Enough, brothers!” he said.

He also called for the release of all captives, including the elderly and children.

"Every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God and has the right to live in peace," he said.

"Let us not lose hope: let us pray and work tirelessly so that the sense of humanity may prevail over hardness of heart."

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip -- including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship -- since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Oct. 7.

The number of deaths in the ongoing Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 has surpassed the grim figure of 11,100, including more than 8,000 children and women, the government media office in Gaza said on Sunday.

The Israeli death toll is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.