Pope Francis has called for all possible efforts to be made to avoid a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza, and expressed concern at risk of a widening of the Hamas-Israel conflict.

The 86-year-old said at the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican that, “The victims are increasing and the situation in Gaza is desperate. Please do everything possible to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”

He however, didn’t mention the blast that rocked a Gaza hospital late Tuesday killing hundreds of people, and for which Israel and the Palestinians have traded accusations.

“The possible widening of the conflict is worrying, while there are so many fronts already open across the world,” the Pope Francis added.

“Let the weapons be silent, let the cry for peace of the poor, of the people, of the children be heard.

“War does not resolve any problems, it only spreads death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future.”

Also speaking in front of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square, he added: “I urge believers to take only one side in this conflict — that of peace.”

He called for a day of prayer, fasting and penance on October 27, including a gathering in the evening at St Peter’s Square.

He invited members of different Christian denominations and other religions to join in.