"Death, destruction, misery." For the Pope, it represents the end of the truce between Israel and Hamas and the restart of combat, which has killed 700 Palestinians in 24 hours, according to information supplied by the Strip's authorities. After reciting the Angelus from Casa Santa Marta due to the infectious bronchitis that has afflicted him for over a week, the Pope yesterday - although he did not read the appeal himself after the Marian prayer - expressed his deep sorrow for the Middle East, where "the situation is serious," and expressed hope for the immediate restoration of a truce agreement. Francis focuses his attention especially on the hostages, of which around 150 remain in the hands of Hamas following the dramatic October 7 incident. Many of the 240 abductees were freed at first, but many remain in Gaza. "Let us think of them and their families who had seen a light, a hope to embrace their loved ones again," the pontiff said. The focus then moves to Gaza, where "there is so much suffering, there is a lack of basic necessities," he emphasizes. In addition to food and water, there is less and less equipment required for military situations; a Navy ship went for Egypt today with surgical theaters and clinics on board to treat the injured. However, the situation is deteriorating by the hour. The pontiff then issues a statement: "I hope that all those involved will be able to reach a new agreement for the ceasefire as soon as possible and find solutions other than weapons, trying to follow courageous paths of peace".
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