Pope Francis Describes Israel-Hamas Conflict As Terrorism

Pope Francis who is the bishop of Rome has described the Israel-Hamas Conflict as terrorism and it has gone beyond war. He said this on Wednesday while delivering his remarks at St. Peter’s Square, a plaza located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, the papal enclave in Rome.

According to him, he met with the relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel and heard directly how “both sides are suffering” from the conflict. Going further he begged for peace so that both sides would not be consumed with “passions, which in the end, kill everyone.” “This is what wars do. But here we have gone beyond wars. This is not war. This is terrorism,” he added.

Israeli government released a statement saying that at least 50 hostages, women and children, will be released in Gaza over four days and hinted that the ceasefire might be extended.

A statement from the Hamas said 150 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children, held in Israeli jails will also be released as part of the deal.

The truce, the statement said, would also allow the entry of “a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid.

The start time of the pause in fighting would be announced within the next 24 hours, it disclosed.

The agreement marks a major breakthrough nearly seven weeks after the conflict spiralled into a grave humanitarian crisis.