Pope calls on Hamas to release Israeli hostages

In his second round of remarks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis called for the release of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, Report informs, citing The Times of Israel.

“I continue to follow, with pain and apprehension, what is happening in Israel and Palestine. So many people killed and others wounded,” the pope said, speaking in St. Peter’s Square at the end of his weekly audience in the Vatican.

“I pray for those families who saw a feast day turn into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be immediately released,” he added.

Pope Francis also said Israel has a right to defend itself while expressing concern about its siege on Gaza.

“It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves,” he said.