Prince William wades into Gaza war as he releases very carefully worded statement on 'terrible human cost'

The prince said: “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.

“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 continued: “Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home.

“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.”

Kensington Palace previously announced that the Prince of Wales has "profound concern" about the Middle East and is set to make a rare intervention.

Throughout February, William will perform engagements to "recognise the human suffering caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East."

Today the prince visited the headquarters of the British Red Cross to hear about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The prince is also set to meet with those providing support in the region and "hear firsthand accounts of the situation facing those on the ground."

William will also speak with young people from a range of communities who are advocating against hatred and antisemitism at a synagogue.

The statement from Kensington Palace said: "The Prince and Princess were profoundly concerned by events that unfolded in late 2023 and continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds.

"Their Royal Highnesses continue to share in the hope of a better future for all those affected."

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Prince William's father, the King, has spoke out before about the loss of life in the Middle East, but recently he has not been carrying out public engagements following his cancer diagnosis.

In October 2023, the King made an impassioned speech at Mansion House in London where he spoke of the "heartbreaking loss of life" in Israel and Gaza and called for religious tolerance.

Similarly in his Christmas Day speech, the King spoke of "universal" values between religions in a time of "increasingly tragic conflict around the world."

William's latest statement was carefully worded as the prince looks to avoid being accused of being pulled into politics.