Death Toll in Gaza Nears 60,000 and 133,000 Injured - Over Half of Victims are Women and Children as Food and Aid are Being Blocked
Pope Leo XIV has spoken out for the Palestinian people on many occasions (see below).
At least 81 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza over a 24-hour period, according to Gaza health officials, as Israeli forces targeted areas where displaced civilians were sheltering.
The strikes hit a tent camp near a stadium in Gaza City and a school in the Tuffah neighbourhood, authorities said. Among the dead were children and entire families. Food and aid have been blocked for months (since March 2) with little getting to the people who are starving - graphic video shows malnourished children on the brink of death.
The rise in casualties has intensified international calls for a ceasefire, with diplomatic efforts reportedly ongoing involving U.S. and Qatari mediators.
The strikes hit a tent camp near a stadium in Gaza City and a school in the Tuffah neighbourhood, authorities said. Among the dead were children and entire families. Food and aid have been blocked for months (since March 2) with little getting to the people who are starving - graphic video shows malnourished children on the brink of death.
The rise in casualties has intensified international calls for a ceasefire, with diplomatic efforts reportedly ongoing involving U.S. and Qatari mediators.
On June 26th the pope stated: "Our hearts bleed when we think of Ukraine, the tragic and inhumane situation in Gaza and the Middle East, ravaged by the spread of war. All of us, by virtue of our humanity, are called upon to examine the causes of these conflicts, to identify those that are real and to attempt to resolve them."
On June 22, Pope Leo XIV said: Alarming news continues to emerge from the Middle East, especially from Iran. Against this tragic backdrop, which includes Israel and Palestine, people’s daily suffering, especially in Gaza and the other territories, where the need for adequate humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly urgent, risks being forgotten.
Dana, a peace activist, shared her story with L’Osservatore Romano:
“For weeks, a large group of us has been going to the air force bases across Israel. We stage peaceful demonstrations, showing soldiers who are entering or exiting the base, photographs of children killed in Gaza. We ask them to refuse participation in the bombings. We remind them that their bombs might also kill Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Since October 8, 2023, nearly 60,000 people in Gaza have died, with over 110,000 injured. This is not defence—it is revenge. The absurdity must end. As must the blockade of humanitarian aid to a starving population. That is why we feel it is right to show the pilots the consequences of their actions. They must see the faces of the children who died. Those who press that button of horror need to look those children in the eyes. They are trained not to see the humanity behind those faces, but we show them, hoping to awaken their consciences. They cannot hide behind the role of mere executors. They have the power and the duty to help stop this massacre.”
Sources : https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-06/palestians-killed-israeli-strikes-gaza-war.html
This action has now spread across the country. Carmel, from Haifa, describes how the demonstrations are conducted:
“We stand quietly outside base entrances with simple signs addressed to pilots: ‘No more bombs,’ ‘Free your conscience.’ The photos we show are of smiling, happy children, children who were alive before someone pushed the button that ended their lives. We remain silent, avoiding any display that might disturb passersby, especially children. Our only aim is to reach the pilots’ consciences and help them grasp the devastation they have wrought. When we heard about the protests in southern Israel, we began organising in Haifa and the north, identifying air force bases in our regions as well. Personally, I feel a moral obligation to act. This is genocide, and we must try to stop it. I believe our initiative is effective. Pilots enjoy high prestige in Israeli society. If even a few were to refuse to participate in this senseless war, it could have a significant impact on public opinion.”
On June 22, Pope Leo XIV said: Alarming news continues to emerge from the Middle East, especially from Iran. Against this tragic backdrop, which includes Israel and Palestine, people’s daily suffering, especially in Gaza and the other territories, where the need for adequate humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly urgent, risks being forgotten.
Vatican News released testimony of some peace advocates:Alarming news continues to emerge from the Middle East, especially from Iran. Against this tragic backdrop, which includes Israel and Palestine, people’s daily suffering, especially in Gaza and the other territories, where the need for adequate humanitarian aid is becoming…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) June 22, 2025
Dana, a peace activist, shared her story with L’Osservatore Romano:
“For weeks, a large group of us has been going to the air force bases across Israel. We stage peaceful demonstrations, showing soldiers who are entering or exiting the base, photographs of children killed in Gaza. We ask them to refuse participation in the bombings. We remind them that their bombs might also kill Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Since October 8, 2023, nearly 60,000 people in Gaza have died, with over 110,000 injured. This is not defence—it is revenge. The absurdity must end. As must the blockade of humanitarian aid to a starving population. That is why we feel it is right to show the pilots the consequences of their actions. They must see the faces of the children who died. Those who press that button of horror need to look those children in the eyes. They are trained not to see the humanity behind those faces, but we show them, hoping to awaken their consciences. They cannot hide behind the role of mere executors. They have the power and the duty to help stop this massacre.”
Sources : https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-06/palestians-killed-israeli-strikes-gaza-war.html
This action has now spread across the country. Carmel, from Haifa, describes how the demonstrations are conducted:
“We stand quietly outside base entrances with simple signs addressed to pilots: ‘No more bombs,’ ‘Free your conscience.’ The photos we show are of smiling, happy children, children who were alive before someone pushed the button that ended their lives. We remain silent, avoiding any display that might disturb passersby, especially children. Our only aim is to reach the pilots’ consciences and help them grasp the devastation they have wrought. When we heard about the protests in southern Israel, we began organising in Haifa and the north, identifying air force bases in our regions as well. Personally, I feel a moral obligation to act. This is genocide, and we must try to stop it. I believe our initiative is effective. Pilots enjoy high prestige in Israeli society. If even a few were to refuse to participate in this senseless war, it could have a significant impact on public opinion.”
Sources: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/06/26/250626b.html
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-06/palestians-killed-israeli-strikes-gaza-war.html
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-06/gaza-israel-war-peace-protest-campaign.html
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