Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has issued a rare statement on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for an end to the fighting “as soon as possible” and expressing his deep concern about the terrible human cost of the war. The statement, which was shared by Kensington Palace on Monday, also highlighted the need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
The statement came after the Prince visited the British Red Cross headquarters in London, where he met with the staff and volunteers who have been providing humanitarian aid to the region through the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, including Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The Prince praised their work and thanked them for their dedication and courage.
The Prince’s statement is a rare and significant intervention from a senior member of the British royal family on a sensitive and complex issue, which has sparked international outrage and condemnation. The Prince, who is second in line to the throne, is known for his humanitarian and environmental causes, and has previously visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2018, becoming the first British royal to do so.
A Devastating and Escalating War in the Middle East
The conflict in Gaza, which started on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people in Israel and took around 240 hostages, has been one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in the region’s history. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 29,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100,000 injured by the Israeli airstrikes and shelling, while more than 75 percent of the population has been displaced and left without access to basic services, such as water, electricity, and health care.
Israel, which has been defending itself from the Hamas attacks, has also suffered casualties and damages. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, more than 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel, killing at least 300 Israelis and injuring more than 2,000. The rockets have also caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, and disrupted the daily life of millions of Israelis.
The international community has been trying to broker a ceasefire and end the hostilities, but the efforts have been unsuccessful so far. The United States, which is a close ally of Israel, has drafted a resolution for the UN Security Council calling for a temporary ceasefire “as soon as practicable”, but the resolution has not been adopted yet. The UK, which is also a friend of Israel, has called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” for the first time since the war began, and has urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
A Hope for a Peaceful and Prosperous Future
The Prince’s statement is not only a humanitarian appeal, but also a diplomatic gesture, as it reflects the UK’s position and role in the Middle East. The UK, which has historical and strategic ties with the region, has been supporting the peace process and the two-state solution, which envisions a secure and recognized Israel living alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state.
The Prince, who has a personal interest and connection with the region, has also been promoting dialogue and cooperation between the different communities and faiths, and has visited several countries in the Middle East, such as Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. In 2018, he made a historic visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, where he met with the leaders and the people of both sides, and expressed his hope for a lasting peace and a better future for the region.
The Prince’s statement is also a message of solidarity and compassion, as it shows his concern and care for the human suffering and the loss of life caused by the war. The Prince, who is a father of three children, has also expressed his sympathy and support for the children and the families affected by the conflict, and has urged for the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
The Prince’s statement is a rare and significant intervention from a senior member of the British royal family on a sensitive and complex issue, which has sparked international outrage and condemnation. The Prince, who is second in line to the throne, is known for his humanitarian and environmental causes, and has previously visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2018, becoming the first British royal to do so.
