Pope Francis calls for an extension of the temporary truce in Gaza, saying that “war is always a defeat” for everyone except arms manufacturers, Vatican News reports.

“I hope that the truce under way in Gaza might continue, so that all the hostages might be freed, and the necessary humanitarian aid might be able to enter,” he said.

“May we please continue to pray for the serious situation in Israel and Palestine,” the Pope said. “Peace, please, peace,” he added.

After calling for the temporary truce to be extended, he noted that he had recently spoken by phone with Gaza’s Catholic parish.

“They don’t have water, they don’t have bread, ordinary people are suffering, the people are suffering. It’s not those who are fighting who are suffering,” he said.