Pope Francis has met with 16 Israelis, including two children, who were recently freed from captivity in Gaza, where they were held hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian militants.
The emotional reunion took place at the Vatican on Thursday, November 14.
Some family members of the Israelis brought posters featuring the faces and names of loved ones still held captive, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles.
The group’s visit to the Vatican was a significant moment, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader Israeli community.
Yaron Sideman, Israel’s ambassador, shared his thoughts on this meaningful encounter.
Sideman, who took to his X, wrote: “The meeting was moving and showed the Pope’s closeness to the victims of that horrible day and his commitment to their release.”
When Hamas led an attack on Israel October 7, 2023, militant groups also abducted 251 people from Israel, including women, children and the elderly.
The majority of those kidnapped were Israeli citizens, but they included foreign nationals and people with multiple citizenship.
Hamas released 109 civilians by last November and eight hostages were rescued alive by troops. The bodies of dozens of hostages who died have also been recovered.
It is estimated that 97 of those abducted Oct. 7 are still in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 people confirmed dead by the Israeli Defense Forces.”
