Concerned About The Conditions In Gaza, Pope Francis Calls For A Ceasefire And Negotiations

Pope Francis greeted the people at Gemelli Hospital. (Source: VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Photo)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis has again called for peace, urging an end to violence in the Gaza Strip, Palestine and other conflict areas, as his first public appearance came home from the hospital where he was being treated.

On the same occasion, Pope Francis also expressed his gratitude for international efforts aimed at encouraging dialogue.

World Catholic Church leader Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday, after five weeks in hospital against double pneumonia which became the most serious health crisis in his 12 years of papality.

The 88-year-old whale, who also appeared in public for the first time since February 14 before returning from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, left the facility shortly after noon.

In his first public appearance after five weeks of treatment, Pope Francis spoke to more than 3,000 people gathered in the courtyard of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday.

During the meeting, TV and radio presenters read out his weekly message, which was also shared with reporters, in which the Pope called for a silence of weapons.

Before returning to his residence in "Casa Santa Marta" for a two-month recovery period, Pope Francis made a request on behalf of the Palestinian people, stating he was deeply saddened to see the resumption of Israel's massive bombings in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in many casualties, quoted from WAFA March 24.

He called for an immediate ceasefire and courage to continue dialogue, so that all hostages can be released and a final ceasefire agreement is reached, stressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israel is known to restart airstrikes on Gaza Tuesday last week, as the Hamas ceasefire with Israel began January 19. On Wednesday, Israel announced the resumption of ground operations in the Palestinian enclave.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza on Sunday confirmed the death toll of Palestinians in the enclave broke 50,000, as Israeli attacks killed officials of the Hamas militant group.

The ministry reported 41 more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 50,021, while the injured reached 113,274.

Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza killed a political leader Hamas, Salah al-Bardawiel and his wife, on Sunday, the militant group said.