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Prince William has expressed his deep concern over the “terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East” and has called for an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas “as soon as possible”.
“Too many have been killed,” the heir to the British throne said in a rare statement on Tuesday, ahead of a visit about humanitarian support in Gaza.
“I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed,” said the Prince of Wales.
William will meet aid workers helping to provide humanitarian support in the region
(Phil Noble/PA)
“I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released.
“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home.
“Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found and I refuse to give up on that.”
William is set to meet with aid workers helping to provide humanitarian support in the region, hearing about the experiences of those on the ground, and will separately join a synagogue discussion with young people from different communities who are advocates against hatred and antisemitism.
Championing inter-faith bonds and religious tolerance has been a priority for King Charles, who has stepped back from public-facing duties while he receives treatment for cancer, with which the monarch was diagnosed earlier this month.
More follows.