By Francis Jjunju
25th Dec 2023
The Pope has called for an end to the war in Gaza and for the freeing of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
In his traditional Christmas Day message, Pope Francis also called for more aid to Gaza in order to solve a “desperate humanitarian situation”.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on 7 October, when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostage.
Hamas says,more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bombing.
Speaking to thousands of worshippers gathered at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope lamented violence against Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel says 132 people are still being held hostage in Gaza after others were released, and one rescued, during a week-long pause in the fighting last month.
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