Pope Francis calls for release of hostages in Hamas, expresses concern over Gaza siege

Pope Francis on Wednesday, in his strongest tone, called for the release of all the hostages captured by the Hamas militants after the fighters of the alleged militant group suddenly attacked the southern part of Israel on Saturday and took away Israeli hostages with them. During the attack, several Israelis were killed including women and children, while hundreds were taken by the alleged militants as hostages. The Pope has now called for the release of those hostages immediately.

Apart from calling for the release of hostages captivated by the Hamas militants, Pope Francis raised concern over the Israel's total siege imposed on the Gaza strip, where several innocent people live.

Death toll in Israel climbed to 1200, claim Israel forces

Pope Francis, while talking to his thousands of weekly general audiences in St. Peter’s Square, said, "I continue to follow, with pain and apprehension, what is happening in Israel and Palestine. So many people were killed, and others wounded. 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.”

Responding to Israel’s revenge on Gaza, he said, "It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried by the total siege on Gaza, in which Palestinians live, and where there have also been many innocent victims."

Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reportedly climbed to over 1200. While the death toll on the other side is also claimed to be massive. The incident erupted when suddenly the Hamas fighters in the deadliest militant attack on Israel rampaged from the Gaza Strip to Southern Israel and launched a massive attack on civilians.

During the attack, several Israelis, including women and children were brutally killed and several others were held hostage and taken away by the alleged Hamas militants.

Following the attack by the Hamas militants, Israel declared complete war and responded with a massive fire attack on the Gaza Strip leading to a severe ravage of the portion. The conflict between the two sides has entered its fifth day.