Pope renews urgent appeal for peace in Gaza

One of many Palestinian children with malnutrition being treated at al-Awda health centre, Rafah

Pope Francis has made another appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during his weekly General Audience in the Vatican today. Reflecting on the war in the Holy Land, the Pope lamented the tragic news that continues to come from the Middle East.

He said: "I reiterate my firm request for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."

The Holy Father expressed his "deep regret" for the staff members of the World Central Kitchen killed as they distributed humanitarian aid in Gaza, and reassured his prayers for them and their families.

Yesterday Israeli airstrikes killed seven aid workers in Gaza, who were delivering food to besieged Palestinians with the US-based charity World Central Kitchen. Those killed included three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen, and a Palestinian. Their convoy which was clearly marked and had received permission to pass by the Israeli army, was hit three time. When the first car was hit the workers rushed to the next car. When that was hit they tried to shelter in the third vehicle but were all killed.

Pope Francis said: "I renew my appeal for the exhausted and suffering civilian population to be allowed access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately."

"Let us avoid any irresponsible attempts to escalate the conflict in the region," he added, calling for "tireless efforts to put an end to this and other wars that continue to bring death and suffering to so many parts of the world."

The Holy Father concluded the appeal by calling on the faithful to join him in prayer for "the silencing of weapons and the return of peace."

Pope Francis also made a plea for a ceasefire in the Strip in his Urbi et Orbi address on Easter Sunday.