Pope Francis calls for an end to attacks and violence in Israel and Gaza

(Patria) - Pope Francis today called for an end to attacks and violence in Israel and Gaza, saying that terrorism and war will not solve problems, but only bring further suffering and death to innocent people.

"I follow with apprehension and sadness what is happening in Israel," the Pope said in his Sunday address to the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

"I express my solidarity with the relatives of the victims and pray for all those who are experiencing hours of fear and anxiety," he said. On Saturday, a multi-pronged attack by Palestinian militants on Israeli towns left at least 300 Israelis dead, and more than 300 Palestinians were killed in Israeli retaliatory bombing.

"It must be understood that terrorism and war do not bring solutions, but only death and suffering to many innocent lives. War is a defeat, every war is a defeat. Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine," the Pope said.