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Pope says worried over Israel's Gaza siege, calls for release of hostages

"I am very worried about the total siege in which the Palestinians live in Gaza...," the 86-year-old head of the worldwide Catholic Church said.

AP

Pope Francis delivers his message to a weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Oct. 11, 2023. / Photo: AP

Pope Francis has called for the immediate release of hostages taken in fighting between Hamas and Israel, and expressed concern over the siege of Gaza.

"I ask that the hostages be released immediately," the 86-year-old head of the worldwide Catholic Church said at the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican on Wednesday.

He added: "It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried about the total siege in which the Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims.

"Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, revenge and only make both sides suffer.

"The Middle East does not need war but peace, a peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of fraternity."

Palestine accuses Israel of waging 'genocidal' war in besieged Gaza

The death toll from five days of ferocious fighting between Hamas and Israel rose sharply overnight as Israel kept up its bombardment of Gaza on Wednesday.

In Israel, the death toll from Saturday's shock cross-border assault by Hamas militants rose to 1,200, making it the deadliest attack in the country's 75-year history.

Meanwhile Gaza officials reported nearly 1000 people have been killed as Israel pounded the territory with air strikes.