Prince William calls for an end to fighting in Gaza

The Prince of Wales has called for an end to fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages, saying “too many have been killed” in the conflict.

Prince William has called for an end to the bloody war in Gaza saying “too many have been killed”, in his strongest intervention yet on the war in the Middle East.

The heir to the throne released a statement ahead of speaking to aid workers on the ground in Gaza.

He arrived at the British Red Cross headquarters in London to speak to those helping with the humanitarian effort via video link.

“I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October,” the statement said.

“Too many have been killed.

Prince William said too many lives had been lost in the conflict. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / POOL / AFP)

“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.”

Palestinians inspect debris and rubble of a destroyed building following Israeli bombardments in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 19. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)

The Red Cross is providing humanitarian aid in the region via the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, including Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Prince William was briefed about the Red Cross’s current operations in the region and the latest situation on the ground, in particular in Gaza.

He was set to meet members of the charity’s psycho-social team who provide mental health support to those who are enduring trauma and suffering around the world.

At a later date, William is also due to listen to young people at a synagogue speak about experiences of hatred and anti-Semitism since Gaza attacked Israel.

Displaced Palestinian children gather to receive food at a government school in Rafah. (Photo by MOHAMMED ABED / AFP)

The Prince and Princess of Wales previously spoke of the October 7 attacks on Israel and war in Gaza and said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are profoundly distressed by the devastating events that have unfolded in the past days.

“The horrors inflicted by Hamas’s terrorist attack upon Israel are appalling; they utterly condemn them.”

William also spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and met Palestinian refugees living in a camp in the West Bank.

Sources close to the couple say they are “profoundly concerned” by the violence in Israel and Gaza and “continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds”.

William made history in 2018 when he became the first member of the British royal family to visit a Palestinian refugee camp.

During the trip he gave a speech where he told Palestinians: “You have not been forgotten”.

He has previously spoken of his deep desire to see peace in the region.

- with The Sun.