Vatican:

Pope Francis shared a written statement on Monday in which he denounced terrorism, violence, and antisemitism. Originally supposed to deliver the speech during a meeting with European rabbis in the Vatican, Pope Francis said he was "not well" and refused to read it.

The Holy Father wrote in the speech that "yet again violence and war have erupted in that Land blessed by the Most High, which seems continually assailed by the vileness of hatred and the deadly clash of weapons," referring to Israel's conflict with Hamas, which has claimed thousands of lives on both sides since October 7.

The 86-year-old pontiff also spoke about the surge of anti-Semitic demonstrations, graffiti, and general criticism of Israel that was seen in the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, and other countries.

The Holy Father said his first thoughts and prayers are directed at the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ensuing humanitarian situation in Gaza. He also condemned the spread of anti-semitic demonstrations. The written remarks from the Pope on Monday coincide with an increase in anti-semitic demonstrations and displays in several parts of the nation.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that a large number of the demonstrators threatened and targeted Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions worldwide and that anti-semitic incidents had increased in various nations.

ADL said there were 312 antisemitic incidents in the US between October 7 and October 23, an increase of almost 400% from the previous year. The Jewish community's security group in the United Kingdom, CST, has revealed that from October 7 to October 31, there were 893 anti-semitic incidents in the country. This is a 609% rise over the same 25-day period in 2022.

The number of anti-semitic incidents in Germany increased by 240% in the last few weeks. There were 76 anti-semitic incidents since October 7 in Austria, a 300% increase. According to the French interior minister, there have been 819 anti-semitic incidents in France and 414 arrests since October 7.

Islamist organization Hamas, which rules Gaza, attacked Israel on October 7 and killed over 1,400 Israelis, sparking the present Israel-Hamas conflict. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that in the almost one month since the conflict began, over 10,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 1.4 million displaced from their homes. Numerous casualties were reported from both sides of the war, with hundreds of those taken from Israel to Gaza still missing.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Gaza a "graveyard for children" on Monday, intensifying calls for an end to hostilities in the region. “Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day," he said.

Hamas, who rule Gaza, and Israel have both rejected growing international calls for a ceasefire. “Hamas and other militants use civilians as human shields and continue to launch rockets indiscriminately towards Israel," he said, calling for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Also on Monday, thousands of pro-Israel protesters gathered in the vicinity of Central Park in New York City to demonstrate their support for Israel's ongoing fight against Hamas.

The Jerusalem Post claims that the UJA-Federation of New York was responsible for organizing the event, which was titled "New York Stands with Israel."

Witness footage from the protests shows demonstrators yelling, "Bring them home," a reference to the more than 200 hostages that Hamas has been holding in Gaza since October 7. Several children and around 50 Thai laborers are among the hostages, along with a few Americans.