Pope urges restraint

Pope Benedict called on Israel to act with moderation and Palestinians to halt violence as he deplored a "bloody deterioration" in the Gaza Strip yesterday. The Pontiff also called on the international community to step up efforts for a negotiated...

Pope Benedict called on Israel to act with moderation and Palestinians to halt violence as he deplored a "bloody deterioration" in the Gaza Strip yesterday.

The Pontiff also called on the international community to step up efforts for a negotiated settlement.

"Once more, in the name of God, I beg that this tragic violence is put to an end," the Pontiff said, addressing thousands of people gathered in St Peter's Square.

The Pope lamented the turmoil caused by the rocket fire against Israeli cities and the Israeli military response, as well as fierce internal fighting in Gaza between Hamas Islamists and the secular Fatah faction.

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