Archbishop, Pope, UN agencies call for end to hostilities in Gaza

In his Remembrance Day sermon, Scicluna emphasised that one had to condemn those who killed 1,200 innocent people in Israel on 7 October.

“We must also condemn those who have caused the deaths of over 10,000 Palestinians, of whom 4,000 are children and babies”, he said.

“However righteous your cause is, there is proportion, there is justice, there are the demands of humanity”, Scicluna said.

Enough, brothers! – Pope

“Enough, enough, brothers!”, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for an end to hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians.

He called for the wounded to be rescued immediately, for the protection of citizens in Gaza, and on Hamas to free all the hostages.

End attacks on hospitals – UN agencies

Regional directors of three United Nations agencies have called for urgent international action to end the ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza.

The joint statement was issued by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Intense hostilities surrounding several hospitals in northern Gaza are preventing safe access for health staff, the injured, and other patients”, they underlined.

Netanyahu: Possible hostage deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told NBC News on Sunday that a deal could soon be reached on the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu declined to give any further details, saying doing so could thwart the delicate negotiations.

In an interview on CNN, Netanyahu refused to answer whether he would take responsibility for failing to prevent the Hamas attack on Israel.

However, he acknowledged that this was “a question that needs to be asked”, adding “Let’s focus on victory – that’s my responsibility now”.