Speaking about the recent Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, Pope Francis said that “no one wins a war; “Everyone loses.” He remembered in particular the 150 people who died in an airstrike on a residential area of Gaza.
Vatican News
Vatican City, Thursday, October 31, 2024 (Rei): “War is always, always, always a defeat.” With these words Pope Francis concluded his general audience by praying once again for the end of wars around the world.
peace is a gift
Addressing thousands of people in the courtyard of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope recalled the countries plagued by violence: “Ukraine martyr, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, North Kivu and many other countries at war.” He reiterated that no one wins with war and that “peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit.”
“Yesterday I saw 150 innocent people shot,” said Pope Francis. “What do children and families have to do with war?” But “they are the first victims.”
Seven “mass murders” in less than a week
The United Nations recorded 7 “mass deaths” between October 24 and 29. Israeli troops attacked several houses in the Manara area, southern Gaza Strip. 33 people died, including 14 children, six of whom belonged to the same family. A series of airstrikes killed about 93 Palestinians in a residential building housing displaced people.
One of the few hospitals still in operation was raided by Israeli forces and Gaza Civil Defense says more than 150 people are trapped inside. Another hospital in the north reported that they had run out of medical supplies and food because Israeli soldiers had blocked ambulances and other aid from reaching the area.
On October 29, the Palestinian Civil Defense Force reported that “770 people have been killed in the last 19 days alone.”
