Prince William says he is ‘deeply concerned’ about the ‘human cost’ of the conflict in Gaza where ‘too many have been killed’

Prince William has said he is ‘deeply concerned’ about the ‘human cost’ of the conflict in Gaza today. 

The Prince of Wales, 41, is easing himself back into public engagements after taking time off to look after his wife Kate who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

In the impassioned statement he said ‘too many have been killed’ since Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October last year.

He 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.

‘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.’

Following the attack on Israel last October, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement condemning Hamas.

The royal couple said they were ‘profoundly distressed’ by what they had witnessed.

A statement released on their behalf read: ‘As Israel exercises its right of self defence, all Israelis and Palestinians will continue to be stalked by grief, fear and anger in the time to come.

‘Their Royal Highnesses hold all the victims, their families and their friends in their hearts and minds.’