Pope Francis on Sunday called for the “urgent” opening of humanitarian corridors to aid civilians in the Gaza Strip and extended his call for the release of hostages taken by Hamas terrorists, Reuters and AFP reported.

“I strongly ask that women, children, the sick, the elderly and all civilians do not become victims of the conflict,” Pope Francis said after the traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

“Humanitarian law must be respected, especially in Gaza, where it is urgent and necessary to guarantee humanitarian aid and the safety of the population,” said the sovereign pontiff.

On October 7, the Palestinian terrorist movement Hamas carried out a large-scale bloody attack on settlements in the south of Israel, which provoked a harsh response from the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip.

The violence resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis, most of them civilians, and an estimated 2,300 Palestinians. (Agerpress)