Understanding how the @BritishRedCross is providing vital humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Staff and volunteers continue to work day and night to bring life-saving assistance and medical treatment to those who need it most. pic.twitter.com/7OjEQF7zeFPrince William has issued a statement calling for an end to Israel's war on Gaza, saying that "too many have been killed."
The Prince of Wales, 41, issued the statement on Tuesday, which he said "marks the first of two visits over the next few weeks to hear more about the human impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East."
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024
On Tuesday morning, William had visited the offices of London-based aid charities working in the region. Today marks the first of two visits over the next few weeks to hear more about the human impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Beginning this afternoon, to hear about those supporting the humanitarian response.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024
Prince William began, "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."
"I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible," the prince continued. "There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It's critical that aid gets in and hostages are released." A statement from The Prince of Wales pic.twitter.com/LV2jMx75DC
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024
The heir to the throne continued, "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."
The prince's statement surprised many, as the royal family typically does not venture into discussing political matters.
According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, roughly 30,000 people have been killed since Israel began the siege in October.
Though U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed doubt about the reported number of deaths, the ministry's numbers have historically been accurate.
"The State Department has regularly cited ministry statistics without caveats in its annual human rights reports," the Washington Post reported in a fact check of Biden's statement. "The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which tracks deaths in the conflict, has found the ministry’s numbers to be reliable after conducting its own investigation. 'Past experience indicated that tolls were reported with high accuracy,' an OCHA official told The Fact Checker."
