In a rare and powerful statement, the future king of Britain has urged for an immediate end to the deadly conflict in Gaza, expressing his deep concern for the human suffering caused by the violence.
Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, said he wanted to see the fighting stop “as soon as possible” and called for increased humanitarian support to the besieged territory. He also appealed for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas militants during their assault on Israel in October.
“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 prince said in a statement issued by Kensington Palace on Monday.
The prince’s statement comes as he embarks on a series of engagements to highlight the plight of the people affected by the war, as well as the rise of antisemitism in the UK. He is set to meet with aid workers, religious leaders, and community groups in the coming days.
The prince said he was moved by the stories of those who have witnessed the horrors of the war, which has killed at least 29,000 Palestinians and displaced 75% of the population in Gaza, according to the latest figures. He also praised the efforts of the British Red Cross and its partners, Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, for providing lifesaving assistance to the region.
“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home,” the prince said. “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 intervention is unusual for a member of the royal family, who typically avoid commenting on political or controversial issues. However, the prince has shown a keen interest in the Middle East and has visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2018, becoming the first British royal to do so.
The prince’s statement also echoes the calls of the international community for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The US has drafted a resolution for the UN Security Council calling for a temporary ceasefire “as soon as practicable”, while the UK’s Labour Party has demanded “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” for the first time since the conflict began.
The prince urged the public to join him in supporting the humanitarian relief efforts and to stand against hatred and intolerance. He said he hoped his visits would help to raise awareness and foster dialogue among different faiths and communities.
“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,” the prince said. “I ask you to join me in supporting the vital work of the British Red Cross and its partners, and in rejecting all forms of hatred and discrimination. Together, we can make a difference.”
