The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgency of stopping attacks and allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. stated.
After being elected on May 8, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful gathered from St. Peter's Square in his first general audience.
"The situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly worrying and painful. I once again earnestly call for unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach those in need and for a cessation of military actions, to put an end to this heartbreaking situation filled with children, the elderly, and the sick," said the pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV also called on all believers to pray every day for peace and the "disarmament of hearts."
The Israeli army resumed intense attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip in the morning of March 18, after the expiry of a ceasefire that had been in effect since January 19.
Since the attacks resumed, 3,427 Palestinians, mostly the elderly, women, and children have been killed, and another 9,647 people have been injured.
Since the beginning of Israel's massive attacks on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, the number of Palestinians killed has reached 53,573, and the number of those injured has risen to 121,688.
