Pope Francis Discusses Conflict in the Gaza Strip with US President Joe Biden

JAKARTA - The leader of the world Catholic church, Pope Francis, held talks with United States President Joe Biden on Sunday, discussing the conflict taking place in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the White House and the Vatican said in separate statements.

"They discussed the need to prevent escalation in the region and strive for long-term peace in the Middle East," said the White House, as reported by Reuters, October 23.

Meanwhile, the Vatican said the conversation, held in a telephone call that lasted about 20 minutes, "focused on the conflict situation in the world and the need to identify paths to peace."

The White House also said that President Biden condemned the Hamas attacks, but also emphasized the need to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Previously, the Pope expressed his sadness over the conditions occurring in Gaza, including the bombings that hit the Anglican hospital and the Greek Orthodox church in Gaza.

"Brethren, stop," pleaded Pope Francis.

It is known that the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on Sunday revealed that the death toll in Gaza since October 7 had increased to 4,741 people and more than 15,898 people were injured, citing The Guardian.

On the other hand, Israeli authorities said that at least 1,400 people were killed and 5,431 others were injured on their side, as quoted by ABC News and The Times of Israel.