News- Middle East: Pope Leo XIV has expressed solidarity with the population of Gaza, saying that civilians had been “once again” forced from their land and were living in “unacceptable conditions.”

“I express my deep solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza who continue to live in fear and survive in unacceptable conditions, being forcibly displaced once again from their lands,” said the 70-year-old pope after his general audience on Wednesday.

Hundreds of thousands of residents of Gaza City have been trying to evacuate the northern part of the city since a massive bombardment by Israeli forces began. 

“I renew my appeal for a ceasefire, for the release of hostages, for a negotiated diplomatic solution, and for the full respect of international humanitarian law,” said the pope.

“I invite everyone to join my heartfelt prayer that soon the dawn of peace and justice will rise,” he emphasized.

Israel launched a major ground assault on Gaza City on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes amid what residents described as the heaviest bombardment in two years of war.

Tanks, aircraft, and artillery struck densely populated areas, including residential neighborhoods and high-rise buildings sheltering civilians.

At least 69 Palestinians were reported killed in the recent strikes, including women and children, with dozens more wounded. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many victims remain trapped under rubble.

More than 350,000 people fled eastern parts of Gaza City toward central or western areas, while others left the city altogether.

Humanitarian organizations warn that the displaced face severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and safe shelter.

The United Nations and several countries have condemned the offensive, calling for the immediate protection of civilians.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the death toll from hunger reached 428, including 146 children, confirming three new fatalities in the past 24 hours, one of them a child, due to severe malnutrition.

Since the Israeli regime launched its genocidal campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, it has killed 64,964 people and wounded 165,312, most of them women and children.

Source: press TV