FLASH
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Pope Francis appealed for restraint to warring parties in the Middle East, demanding the lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip for the sake of civilians and the immediate release of dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
"I pray for those families who saw a holiday turned into a day of mourning and I ask for the immediate release of the hostages," the Pope said.
Referring to Israel's response to Hamas, the Pope said Israelis have the right to defend themselves.
"It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims," the Pope said in his weekly message, Reuters reports.
The head of the Catholic Church emphasized that terrorism and extremism fuel hatred, while violence and revenge cause suffering for all.
We recall that the day before, it was announced that the Pope was in constant contact with Catholic priests in the Middle East, who keep him informed of what is happening in the region. Notably, Gaza parish priest Gabriel Romanelli has received two phone calls from Pope Francis since the fighting began on Saturday.
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