Prince William has called for an end to the fighting in Gaza, where he says "too many people" had been killed in the conflict.
Political interventions by members of the royal family are unusual, but William is due to carry out a number of engagements to recognise the human suffering caused by the Israel-Gaza war on Tuesday.
His office has also said he will draw attention to the global rise in anti-Semitism.
"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," William said.
"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."
Hamas took 253 hostages back to Gaza after carrying out the terrorist attack on southern Israel that killed at least 1,200 people.
Since October 7, the Israeli military response has resulted in the deaths of more than 29,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities.
In 2018, William became the first senior British royal to make an official visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which comprises Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Next week he will visit a synagogue to hear from young people who are involved in tackling hatred and anti-Semitism as part of his engagement schedule.
In October, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said King Charles was "appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel".
By Reuters
Original article link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-21/prince-william-calls-for-end-to-fighting-in-gaza/103491774
