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December 26, 2023

Pope Calls for Gaza Ceasefire as Palestinians Cancel Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem
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At the Vatican, Pope Francis condemned what he called the "futile logic
of war" during his annual Christmas Day message. Speaking from the
balcony of St Peter's Basilica, the pope repeated his call on Hamas to
release the 130 hostages held in Gaza and demanded Israel halt its
unrelenting attacks.

Pope Francis: "I plead for an end to the military operations with their
appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and call for a solution
to the desperate humanitarian situation by an opening to the provision
of humanitarian aid. May there be an end to the fueling of violence and
hatred."

Pope Francis's remarks came as Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem - the
birthplace of Jesus - canceled Christmas celebrations to mourn the more
than 20,000 people killed in the Gaza Strip since October. After
headlines, we'll speak with Rev. Munther Isaac, who delivered his
Christmas sermon Saturday at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church
in Bethlehem.


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