Pope Francis appealed for immediate efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing, “Enough, please,” during his Sunday address.
Pope Francis Questions: “Is This Really How We Plan to Build a Better World? Stop, Enough”
Pope Francis appealed for immediate efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing, “Enough, please,” during his Sunday address.
Expressing deep concern, the pontiff conveyed his heartfelt sorrow for the suffering endured by both the people of Palestine and Israel in his weekly Angelus message.
He urged an end to the conflict, denouncing the extensive destruction that inflicts pain and catastrophic consequences on the vulnerable.
Questioning the path towards a better world, Pope Francis emphasized, “Is this really how we plan to build a better world? Stop, Enough.”
He reiterated his call for the release of hostages and for increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Since the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, triggering Israel’s military offensive on the Gaza Strip, casualties have been devastating. Nearly 1,200 lives were lost in the initial attack, with subsequent casualties reaching alarming numbers.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 30,410 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, while 71,700 others have been injured.
Gaza’s population, especially in the northern region where recent shootings occurred, faces dire food shortages due to Israel’s crippling blockade.
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The war has displaced 85% of Gaza’s population, exacerbating shortages of essentials such as food, clean water, and medicine. The enclave’s infrastructure has suffered immense damage, with 60% of it either demolished or severely affected, as reported by the UN.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. In a preliminary ruling issued in January, Tel Aviv was ordered to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilians.
