Pope Francis reiterated his call for an “immediate ceasefire” and asked for UN peacekeepers in the region to be “respected”, Al Jazeera reports.

“I continue to follow with concern what is happening in the Middle East,” the pontiff said during his Angelus prayer from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square. “Let’s pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.”

Francis added he feels close to all the peoples involved: Palestine, Israel, Lebanon. He prayed for all the victims, the displaced, and captives saying he hoped they’d be released “immediately”.

“This great and unnecessary suffering generated by hatred and revenge will soon come to an end,” said the pope.