Pope Francis has issued a passionate Easter appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling on both Israel and Hamas to halt hostilities and prioritize humanitarian relief for civilians caught in the escalating conflict.
Speaking on Easter Sunday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 88-year-old pontiff, who is still recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia, addressed thousands gathered in Vatican City for his annual “Urbi et Orbi” blessing – a message delivered “to the city and to the world.”
In a voice filled with compassion and urgency, Pope Francis denounced the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where Israel’s renewed military operations have intensified suffering among the civilian population.
“I express my closeness to the sufferings … of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” the Pope said in the message, which was read aloud by an aide due to his ongoing health challenges.
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Plea for Peace Amid Renewed Violence
The Pope’s appeal comes as violence in the Gaza Strip continues to surge following the collapse of a previous two-month ceasefire. According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, Israeli air strikes on Sunday alone killed at least 25 people, including women and children, as intense bombardments resumed across the besieged enclave.
Israel restarted its aerial and ground assault on March 18, following what it said was a breakdown in negotiations with Hamas. The war, which has now entered its 18th month, has led to widespread destruction, mass displacement, and a mounting civilian death toll.
The latest round of strikes has reportedly targeted densely populated neighborhoods, medical facilities, and refugee camps, further compounding the crisis.
Netanyahu Vows to Press On
Just one day before the Pope’s Easter address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to continuing the war effort until all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are returned.
“We will not stop until every hostage is brought home,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.
“We will not give in to Hamas’s blackmail. Israel will do what is necessary to secure its people and its future.”
His remarks underscore Israel’s unwavering stance in the face of growing international pressure for de-escalation. Talks brokered by regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have so far failed to produce a lasting truce.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Collapse
Meanwhile, humanitarian groups warn that the situation in Gaza is nearing collapse. Access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care has become increasingly scarce. The United Nations and international aid agencies continue to call for unimpeded access to deliver life-saving assistance to over two million residents affected by the war.
According to the UN, more than 35,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in late 2022, with the majority believed to be civilians. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and hundreds of thousands are now living in makeshift shelters with limited access to sanitation or electricity.
The World Food Programme recently issued an alert, warning of “catastrophic levels of food insecurity” across Gaza, particularly in the north, where aid convoys have struggled to reach those in desperate need.
Francis’s Enduring Advocacy for Peace
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis has remained one of the most vocal religious leaders advocating for peace in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. His Easter message once again highlighted his consistent stance that peace can only be achieved through dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of innocent lives.
“Let us not forget the people of Gaza, whose suffering has reached unimaginable levels,” he said.
“Let us also remember the hostages, their families, and all those who continue to suffer the consequences of war.”
Francis has long urged the international community to take stronger steps to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for a two-state solution and sustained efforts to foster mutual understanding and security for both peoples.
Wider Global Reactions
The Pope’s call for a ceasefire has been echoed by several world leaders and humanitarian organizations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a similar appeal earlier this month, warning that “the world cannot afford another war” and urging both sides to prioritize diplomacy over violence.
The European Union and several Latin American governments have also expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation, while continuing to urge all parties to uphold international law and avoid civilian casualties.
Outlook: A Long Road to Peace
With tensions still high and negotiations stalled, many fear the violence in Gaza could spiral into a wider regional conflict. However, Pope Francis’s Easter message serves as a powerful moral plea—a reminder of the enduring hope for peace, even in the darkest times.
As the world marked Easter, a day symbolizing renewal and resurrection, Francis urged all people of faith and goodwill to pray and work for an end to war.
“Peace is possible,” the Pope concluded. “Let us be builders of peace, not architects of destruction.”
The Vatican continues to support efforts for dialogue and reconciliation in the Holy Land and across the broader Middle East, advocating for nonviolence and human dignity for all.
