Pope Francis on Sunday called for an end to hostilities in Israel following the surprise land, sea and air attack by Hamas from Gaza on Saturday, saying that war is "always a defeat".
"I am following with apprehension and pain what is happening in Israel, where violence has exploded even more ferociously, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries," said the pope at the Angelus prayer and blessing at the Vatican.
"Please stop the armed attacks, and understand that terrorism and war do not resolve anything, but only lead to the death of so many innocent people," he continued.
"War is a defeat, it is always a defeat.
"Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine," he concluded.
Francis also expressed his closeness to the families of the victims. "I pray for them and for all those who are experiencing hours of terror and anguish," added Francis.
The pope also extended his prayer for peace to the "many countries around the world marked by war and conflict", including "dear Ukraine".
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