The Pope emphasised that the Palestinians in Gaza are “on their last legs” and desperately need a ceasefire.

“I continue to follow the conflict in Israel and Palestine with much worry and pain,” he said. “I renew my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire: there is so much suffering there.”

“I encourage all parties involved to resume negotiations,” the Pope added, “and call on everyone to make an urgent commitment to get humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

The Pope also renewed his appeal for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, saying “Let all hostages, who had seen hope in the truce a few days ago, be freed immediately so that this great suffering for Israelis and Palestinians might come to an end.”

“Please”, he concluded, “no to weapons, yes to peace.”

Israel is continuing its bombardment of Gaza, with the focus now on Khan Younis in the south. There has also been fighting in Rafah near the Egyptian border, and in Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, international pressure is slowly growing over the humanitarian crisis with US President Joe Biden confirming that Israel is starting to lose global support over its “indiscriminate bombing”.

That being said, only one UN Security Council resolution has been approved and that was just for humanitarian pauses and to release hostages. One humanitarian pause occurred and was extended, but once it ended, Israel resumed its barrage of the land and everyone inside.

There has been no agreement amongst one of the highest bodies in international relations to call for an immediate ceasefire, despite the UN Secretary-General’s rare but important invocation of Article 99 on the issue.

Do you agree with the Pope?