Pope Francis has been calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza since 29 October.

In his traditional Urbi et Orbi message on Christmas Day, the Pope pleaded for “an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims” and called for “an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid” in Gaza. He also said that his “heart grieves for the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October,” and he repeated his “urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage.”

The Pope expressed his hope that sincere dialogue with strong political will and inter-national support might lead to a resolution of the “Palestinian question.”