Pope calls for cease-fire after Israeli raid kills children

Published: 2006-07-31

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI launched an impassioned appeal for a cease-fire in the Middle East, saying it was impossible that military action would create the conditions needed for a lasting peace in the region. "In the name of God, I address all those responsible for this spiral of violence so that immediately on all sides the weapons would be laid down," the pope said July 30 before reciting the midday Angelus prayer. Speaking at his summer villa at Castel Gandolfo, the pope made his appeal several hours after an Israeli air raid in Qana, Lebanon, led to the deaths of some 60 civilians, including at least 37 children. The attack on Qana brought Lebanon's death toll to more than 510 since fighting began mid-July. Israel, which maintained Hezbollah guerrillas were using civilians as human shields, promised an investigation into the incident and later declared a 48-hour suspension of aerial bombings. Fighting resumed July 31.

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