Pope Francis Is Very Concerned About The Humanitarian Situation In Gaza

Pope Francis/DOK via Instagram @franciscus

JAKARTA - Pope Francis voiced deep concern over the ongoing Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip and killed 40,000 Palestinians.

"I continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in Gaza with great concern," said Francis, after leading prayers in St. Peter's Square to commemorate Maria's Day Lifted to Heaven, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, August 15.

The supreme leader of the Catholic Church invited the people to reflect on various global conflicts, including those in Ukraine, the Middle East, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, and Myanmar.

However, the Pope puts a special emphasis on the situation in Gaza, where continued violence has led to a humanitarian crisis.

"Once again, I demand an end to hostilities in all lines, the release of hostages, and assistance to the desperate population. I urge all parties to make every effort to prevent the conflict from spreading and take the negotiation route to end this tragedy as soon as possible," Pope Francis said.

"Let us not forget that war is a defeat," he asserted.

Francis continues to voice peace in the conflict area and calls for dialogue and negotiations as the only solution to end violence.

He again conveyed calls for a ceasefire when tensions were still felt in Gaza, and world concerns that the conflict in the Palestinian enclave could destabilize the Middle East.