Pope Leo XIV once again called for respect for international law and the protection of civilians on a day when, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 73 people were killed while trying to obtain or deliver humanitarian aid. At the same time, Israel issued new evacuation orders.
Speaking in Castel Gandolfo, a suburb of Rome where his summer residence is located, Pope Leo XIV once again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The pontiff spent two weeks of vacation there.
The Pope expressed his “deep sorrow” over the recent Israeli army strike on the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza. Three people were killed and ten others, including a priest, were wounded in the attack on Thursday.
During Sunday’s Angelus prayer, the pontiff again appealed to the international community to respect humanitarian law, protect civilians and prevent collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement.
Belgium’s King Philippe denounced the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza
Belgian King Philippe also strongly condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it “a disgrace for all of humanity.” He made the statement during a speech on Belgium’s National Day.
The monarch expressed his full support for the international community’s efforts to end the conflict, noting:
“This situation has gone on for too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for an immediate end to this unbearable crisis.”
Despite the growing humanitarian catastrophe, including worsening hunger, Israel continues its strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Since the start of the operation in October 2023, according to Palestinian figures, nearly 59,000 people have been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children. The military action has destroyed the enclave’s infrastructure, devastated the health system and caused acute food shortages.
Nicola Fratoianni, Italian politician and leader of the Italian Left party, attempted to draw attention to the problem of the Gaza Strip:
“Those in European chancelleries and in the Italian government who, with cowardice and hypocrisy, allow the criminal #Netanyahu to continue this daily extermination, never think about their conscience? #Gaza”
