Pope Francis has voiced strong concerns about the international community’s “shameful impotence” in addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As Israel and Hamas remain entrenched in a year-long violent struggle, with escalating tensions along the Lebanese border, the pontiff’s remarks highlight the urgency of the situation. Notably, on October 6, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare security meeting—reportedly the first in a month—focused on hostage rescue, indicating an increasing pressure to respond to criticisms regarding inaction in this area.
In a public letter to Catholics in the Middle East, Pope Francis reflected on the current turmoil, stating, “One year ago, the spark of hatred was ignited; it has not burned slowly, but rather exploded in a spiral of violence.” He underscored, “Violence will never yield peace, as history has proven, yet the prolonged conflict appears to have taught us nothing.”
The pope has called for a global day of fasting and prayer for peace on October 7, using the opportunity to amplify his criticisms of Israel’s military actions in the ongoing conflict. Just last month, at 87 years old, he condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other civilians, suggesting these actions “crossed a moral line.” He has previously described Israel’s operations in Lebanon as “unacceptable” and urged the international community to take action to stop the violence.
In his letter, Pope Francis reached out directly to the people of Gaza: “I stand with you, Gazans, who have faced a long and arduous situation, entrenched in a terrifying predicament. Every day, you are in my thoughts and prayers,” he wrote. “I am with those of you who have been forced to leave your homes, abandon your studies and jobs, and seek refuge from the bombings… I stand with you who dare not even look up, fearing fire raining down from above.”
Regarding Netanyahu’s atypical security meeting just before the one-year anniversary of the conflict, Israeli media reported that discussions centered on “new ideas” to overcome the stalemate in Gaza. Officials noted that nearly half of the 101 hostages taken by Hamas are believed to be alive, although their conditions remain critical.
Insiders have indicated that the authorities had not discussed hostage rescue for a month, making the meeting on the evening of October 6 particularly significant. They implied that Netanyahu’s decision to convene this meeting stemmed from the urgent need to address growing concerns about the hostages’ situation.
