Pope prays for peace in Israel and Palestine

Pope Francis prayed for peace in Israel and Palestine, and called for an immediate end to violence in the region.

"I am following with great concern and sadness what is happening in Israel," the Pope told the faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 8. "I would like to express my solidarity with the relatives of the victims and my prayers for all those who are living through this terrible and painful moment."

Pope Francis holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on September 20. Photo: Reuters

"Please stop the attacks and give up your weapons, because terrorism and war cannot bring solutions but only death and suffering to innocent lives. War is a failure, every war is a failure. Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine," Pope Francis added.

Many countries have also criticized Hamas' campaign against Israel, calling on all parties involved to exercise restraint.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the attack a "horrific act of terrorism" and said Israel had the right to defend itself against such horrific acts.

President Joe Biden said he had spoken by phone and made clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US "stands ready to provide any necessary support to the government and people of Israel."

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on both sides to "immediately cease fire, end violence and show restraint". Moscow also confirmed that it was in contact with all parties involved, including Israel, Palestinian forces and Arab countries.

On October 7, the Palestinian Hamas force launched thousands of rockets and conducted a coordinated raid by land, air, and sea into Israel. The attack killed at least 300 people and injured more than 1,500.

Hamas said the campaign stemmed from Tel Aviv's "escalating attacks" on Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem and in Israeli prisons.

The Israeli government declared a state of war on the same day, ordering the air force to deploy dozens of fighter jets to attack targets in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 230 people and injuring 1,700. The Israeli Security Council approved the decision to "destroy Hamas".

The council also decided to cut off the supply of electricity, fuel and goods to the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israeli security forces had "eliminated the majority of the enemy infiltrators" and the response would now move into an offensive phase.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP )

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