[1/2] Pope Francis looks on as he leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023.
REUTERS/Remo Casilli Acquire Licensing RightsVATICAN CITY, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, in his strongest comments since the start of the conflict in Gaza, on Wednesday called for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas militants and said Israel has a right to defend itself.
On Saturday, Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip rampaged through parts of southern Israel, in the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israel's history.
The pope's mention of Israel's right to self defence followed diplomatic pressure from Israel for him to make such a statement, following earlier statements from the pope and Vatican officials which Israel saw as too timid.
But I would like to hear stronger words about Israel's right to defend itself."
Persons:
Pope Francis, Remo Casilli, Israel, Raphael Schutz, Francis, Bernadette Baum
Organizations:
Vatican, REUTERS, CITY, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
Saint Peter's, Gaza, St, Israel, Palestine, Rome