The Pope called for humanitarian aid to alleviate the "very difficult" situation in Gaza

Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for an end to the conflict in Gaza, calling for humanitarian aid and help for the wounded to ease the "very dire" situation, the Guardian reported.

"I keep thinking about the difficult situation in Palestine and Israel, where many people have lost their lives. I ask you to stop in the name of God, to stop the fire," the pope said, speaking to crowds in St. Peter's Square after his weekly prayer. Angel of the Lord".

"I hope that everything possible will be done to avoid the extension of the conflict, that the wounded will be rescued and that aid will arrive for the population of Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is very difficult," said the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The pontiff renewed his calls for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages, focusing on the children, who he said "must return to their families".

People with placards calling for "peace" and "stop the slaughter" could be seen in the crowd at the Vatican. /BGNES