VATICAN CITY (Xinhua) – Pope Francis has once again called for an end to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the release of Israeli hostages and the protection of civilians in Gaza. In a statement on Sunday, the Pope expressed his deep sorrow over the continuing conflict in the region and renewed his appeal for the release of hostages, along with a strong plea for the safety of children, the sick, the elderly, women, and all civilians caught up in the conflict.
The Pope underscored the importance of humanitarian law, particularly in Gaza, and implored, “Please, let no more innocent blood be shed, neither in the Holy Land nor in Ukraine, nor in any other place! Enough! Wars are always a defeat, always!”
As the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war nears 4,000, and the number of casualties exceeds 10,000, Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza. According to NBC News, the latest figures from Gaza’s Ministry of Health report over 2,670 people killed and 9,600 wounded in Gaza, with more than half of the casualties being women and children. In Israel, more than 1,400 people have been killed and 3,500 wounded, and at least 120 people have been abducted, according to the Israeli prime minister’s press office.
Israel has confirmed that 155 people are being held hostage by Hamas, an increase from an earlier figure of 126, since the militant group’s attack last week, as reported by AFP.
In the international arena, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, called on Israel to cease what he described as “collective punishment of Gaza” and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table. Wang stated that Beijing was intensively communicating with all parties to promote a ceasefire and end the war.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also called on Israel to avoid civilian casualties, emphasizing that Hamas aims to escalate the conflict and turn it into a broader Arab-Israeli or even a global conflict.
AU and Arab League Warn of Potential Genocide
The Arab League and the African Union jointly issued a statement warning that Israel’s planned ground invasion of Gaza “could lead to a genocide of unprecedented proportions.” They called on the United Nations and the international community to intervene and prevent a catastrophe from unfolding.
Christian Group Expresses Solidarity with Israel
A Christian group, Christian United for Israel in Nigeria, has expressed its support for Israel in the face of the ongoing conflict. During a Special Solidarity Prayer event in Nigeria’s Benue State, the group condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel as a “dastardly act” and expressed sympathy for the nation of Israel. They declared that there is no justification for acts of terrorism and emphasized Israel’s right to defend its citizens.
The Interim National Coordinator of CUFI, Benue State chapter, Evangelist Mati Acka, stated, “We stand resolute behind Israel in constant prayers until all of Israel is saved.”
The international community continues to watch the evolving situation in the region with growing concern, as efforts are made to bring an end to the devastating conflict.