Pope Francis calls for mediation in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel conflicts

Pope Francis urged world leaders to seek peace through mediation and negotiation during the Regina Coeli prayer at the Vatican on Sunday. Emphasizing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, he reiterated his appeal for peace and for the faithful to pray for “a just, lasting peace.” “May the Lord give the leaders the ability to pause a little to mediate, to negotiate,” he said.

He expressed hopes that the Resurrection of Jesus “enlighten and sustain all those who work to decrease the tension, and encourage gestures that make negotiations possible.”

Pope Francis has consistently appealed for peace and for prayers for those caught in conflicts worldwide.

He has urged for negotiation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Since October 7, Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 33,175 Palestinians and injuries to 75,886 others. 

Meanwhile, the October 7 assault by Hamas has led to 1,139 fatalities in Israel, with several individuals still being held captive.

According to Al Jazeera, more than 300 humanitarian trucks have been recently permitted entry into the Gaza Strip via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom to Israelis) and the Rafah crossing in Rafah. 

These convoys, bearing essential supplies such as water, sugar, flour, and other basic necessities, are critically needed by the Palestinian population.

However, these aid shipments have not been allowed to reach Gaza’s northern regions, even though the Israeli military has decided to reopen the Erez crossing (Beit Hanoon), promising to improve the flow of humanitarian goods to the people in the north.

Before the conflict, between 400 and 500 humanitarian trucks were entering the Gaza Strip daily. The current level of aid, therefore, falls significantly short of the immense needs of the local population, especially for those isolated in the north of Gaza who are experiencing severe malnutrition.