Pope Francis calls for release of hostages seized in Hamas' attack on Israel

Pope Francescu called Wednesday for the immediate release of hostages taken in Hamas' attack on Israel at the weekend and voiced concern over the siege Israel has imposed on the Gaza Strip in response.

“I continue to pursue with pain and concern what is happening in Israel and Palestine,” said the Pope.

So many people killed, others injured. I pray for those families who have a party day (Sukkot holiday) experienced a return to mourning day and ask that hostages be released immediately”.

Francescu acknowledged that Israel has the right to defend itself following Hamas' attacks, including massacres of civilians, while adding that he is concerned about the situation in Gaza.

Israel has hit Gaza with deadly air strikes in recent days and has cut off food and fuel supplies.

It is the right of those attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have been many innocent victims”, the pope said.

“Terrorism and extremism do not help to achieve a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but instead foster hatred, violence, vengeance and only cause both sides to suffer. The Middle East does not need war, but for peace: a peace built on justice, dialogue and courage of brotherhood”, Francescu said. / ANSA