VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis called Sunday for humanitarian help to urgently reach Palestinians in Gaza and for Israel and Hamas to right away accept propositions for a cease-fire and release of captives.
Throughout his Sunday midday true blessing, Francis likewise thanked Jordan, which today will host a global humanitarian help conference for Palestinians.
“I motivate the worldwide neighborhood to act urgently, with all ways, to come to the help of individuals of Gaza, worn by the war,” he stated. “Humanitarian help needs to be enabled to reach those in requirement, and nobody can hinder it.”
He remembered that Saturday marked the 10-year anniversary of a peace prayer he hosted in the Vatican gardens, participated in by then-Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
“This conference revealed that shaking hands is possible, which to make peace, you require nerve — a lot more nerve than to make war,” he stated.
Francis tossed his assistance behind cease-fire propositions and stated he hoped the terms would be rapidly accepted by both sides, although he acknowledged settlements “are challenging.”
“I hope that the peace propositions on all fronts that have actually existed and for the release of captives will be accepted right away for the sake of the Palestinians and Israelis,” he stated.
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