Pope Francis has deplored the “desperate” situation in Gaza as he urged the faithful to take “only one side” in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the side “of peace”.

Speaking during his weekly audience in St Peter’s Square, Francis did not mention the deadly Plaza hospital strike, for which Israelis and Palestinians are blaming each other.

“War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he said.“I urge believers to take only one side in this conflict, that of peace, but not with words but with prayer and total dedication,” Francis added.