VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday called for "peace in Israel and in Palestine", saying "terrorism and war do not lead to a solution".
As war raged between Israel and Palestinian fighters, the pope called for an end to attacks in Israel.
He did not mention the Gaza Strip or the Palestinian group Hamas, which launched a massive surprise attack early on Saturday.
"War is a defeat. All war is a defeat. Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine," he said at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
"I follow with apprehension and pain what is happening in Israel... I express my solidarity with the families of the victims," he told crowds after his traditional Angelus prayer.
"I pray for all those who are living through hours of terror and anguish," he said.
"May the attacks and the weapons cease, I beg you."
"Terrorism and war do not lead to a solution, but only to the death and suffering of many innocent people." -- AFP