The war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel is being waged by two irresponsible sides, Pope Francis said in a recorded interview to Swiss radio and television that is to be broadcast on March 20 and a part of which was released on Saturday.
"Every day at seven o'clock pm I call the parish in Gaza," said the pope.
"Six hundred people live there and they tell me what they see: a war. And the war is being waged by two sides, not one.
"The irresponsible ones are these two who make war," he continued.
"Then there is not only the military war, there is, let's say, the 'guerrilla war' waged by Hamas, a movement that is not an army. It is a bad thing," added Francis.
However, in reply to a question on not losing hope of mediation, he said: "Let's look at history, the wars we have lived through have all ended in agreement".
On Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, the pope said courage is needed to raise a white flag and negotiate.
"The one who sees the situation, who thinks of the people, who has the courage to raise a white flag, to negotiate, is stronger," he said.
"Today, one can negotiate with the help of the international powers. The word 'negotiate' is courageous. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not working, you must have the courage to negotiate. You feel shame, but how many more people will die?" continued Francis.
"Negotiate while it's not too late, identify countries to mediate. In the war in Ukraine, there are many. Turkey has come forward, and others. Do not be ashamed to negotiate before it gets worse," he insisted.
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