ROME — Pope Francis appealed Wednesday for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terror group on the Gaza strip, while criticizing Israel’s “total siege” on Palestinians in Gaza.
“I continue to follow what is happening in Israel and Palestine with tears and apprehension: many people killed, others injured,” the pontiff stated at the end of his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square.
“I pray for those families who have seen a feast day transformed into a day of mourning,” he said, “and I ask that the hostages be released immediately.”
Heartbreaking. https://t.co/zP0tLFeXDb
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) October 11, 2023
The pope went on to recognize Israel’s right to self-defense while questioning the extent of the measures employed.
“It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very…
