Pope Francis urges resumption of dialogue between Israelis, Palestinians

VATICAN, Dec 25 (MENA) - Vatican's Pope Francis in his Christmas message on Sunday called for the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land, the place of Jesus' birth, Vatican News reported.

"As many sat around a well-spread table, huge amounts of food daily go to waste and resources are spent on weapons," the pontiff said.

He again condemned the use of food as a weapon of war, saying the war in Ukraine had put millions at risk of famine, mentioning Afghanistan and countries in the Horn of Africa.

The Ukraine conflict, he said, should not diminish concern for people whose lives have been devastated by other conflicts or humanitarian crises, naming among others, Syria, Myanmar, Iran, Haiti and the Sahel region of Africa.

Pope Francis called for an end to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts, saying the world was suffering from a "famine of peace".

He also urged people to look beyond the "shallow holiday glitter" and help the homeless, immigrants, refugees and the poor in their midst seeking comfort, warmth and food.