Pope appeals for peace in the middle east

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Pope Francis has expressed his “sorrow and concern” for the war that has broken out between Israel and Hamas, in which more than 2,000 people have died .

Speaking at Wednesday’s general audience, he appealed for the immediate release of the hostages and prayed for the bereaved.

He acknowledged that it is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but said he was concerned at the “total siege facing the Palestinians in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims.”

He appealed for peace and a return to dialogue.