Pope Francis called for “immediate respect” of the Gaza ceasefire on Sunday, as he thanked mediators and urged humanitarian aid to be ramped up as well as the return of hostages.
“I express my gratitude to all the mediators,” the Argentine Pope said shortly after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began.
He said, “Thank you to all parties involved for this important outcome. I hope that, as agreed, it will be immediately respected by the parties and all hostages will finally be able to go home to embrace their loved ones.”
“I pray deeply for them and their families,” Francis said. “I also hope that humanitarian aid will reach even more quickly… the people of Gaza, who have so many urgent needs.”
“Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope. I hope that the political authorities of both, with the help of the international community, can reach a true two-state solution.”
“Let everyone say yes to talks, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace,” he said.
Hamas militants took a total of 33 people hostage during October. Israel is scheduled to return to attacks from Gaza during an initial 42-day ceasefire on July 7, 2023.
Under the agreement, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli jails.
The force aims to pave the way for an end to the more than 15-month war that began with a Hamas attack, the deadliest in Israeli history.
It follows the agreement reached by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of negotiations, and takes effect on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.
