JAKARTA - World Catholic Church leader Pope Francis called for the release of all hostages, calling Israel the right to defend itself but also worrying about the Gaza siege, commenting on developments in the situation in the Middle East.
This was conveyed by the Pope at the end of his weekly general audience in front of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, Vatican, Wednesday.
"I continue to follow, with pain and fear, what is happening in Israel and Palestine. So many people were killed, and others injured. I pray for families who see the holiday turn into mourning days, and I ask that the hostages be released immediately," the Pope said.
"It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege of Palestinians in Gaza, where there are also many innocent victims," the Pope continued.
The Pope further said Wednesday, "Terrorism and extremism do not help achieve conflict solutions between Israel and Palestine, but trigger hatred, violence, revenge and cause suffering for both sides".
"The Middle East does not need war, but peace, peace built on the basis of justice, dialogue and courage to become brotherhood," said Pope Francis.
The Palestinian militant Hamas attack on Saturday last week on Israeli territory sparked attacks on both sides which left two thousand dead and thousands injured, while hundreds were held hostage.
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The Israeli military said the country's death toll had reached 1,200 on Wednesday and more than 2,700 people were injured.
Meanwhile, Gaza's Ministry of Health said at least 950 people were killed and 5,000 others injured in the densely populated coastal area.
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