DaysofPal- The newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, has made a passionate appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance to be allowed into Gaza, as the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave continues to deteriorate.
Speaking during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope described the situation in Gaza as “yet more worrying and saddening.”
“I renew my appeal… to allow for the entry of fair humanitarian help and to bring to an end the hostilities, the high price of which is paid by children, the elderly, and the sick,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
On Sunday, the pontiff delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing solidarity with the people of Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable.
“We must remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering as a result of the war in Gaza, especially innocent children and the helpless elderly, who face hunger, fear, and deprivation,” he said. “We call on everyone to pray for them and for an urgent and lasting peace that will end this tragedy.”
The Pope further called on the international community to intensify its humanitarian efforts, underlining that “human dignity and the right to life are sacred and must be protected above all else.”
His appeal comes as global humanitarian organizations raise alarm over the scale of the suffering in Gaza. Doctors Without Borders has sharply criticized Israel for what it described as “ridiculously inadequate” levels of aid allowed into the enclave.
The organization warned that the limited assistance being provided “reflects an attempt to avoid accusations of starving the population, while in reality keeping them barely alive.”
Earlier, on May 11, Pope Leo had already expressed his “profound sadness at what is happening in Gaza,” urging an immediate end to hostilities, the provision of essential humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed similar worries, denouncing the scant aid that has reached Gaza and urging widespread, ongoing assistance to avert a full-scale famine. The agency has warned of the worst humanitarian catastrophe the territory may face since the beginning of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023.
The European Union has also reiterated the need for immediate humanitarian and medical assistance to be delivered to Gaza without obstruction.
Since March 2, Israel has been accused of systematically blocking aid by sealing border crossings and preventing the delivery of desperately needed supplies. As a result, more than 2.2 million Palestinians have been pushed to the brink of famine, with many already dying due to hunger and lack of medical care.
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