Prince William releases statement and says we ‘must not succumb to despair’ as he meets Gaza heroes
PRINCE William released a heartfelt statement and vowed he will ‘cling to hope’ even “in the darkest hour”.
The Prince of Wales, 41, will today meet heroes providing humanitarian aid and speak to people who have been on the ground helping those in need in Gaza.
At a later date, William is also due to listen to young people at a synagogue speak about experiences of hatred and anti-semitism since Gaza attacked Israel.
In a statement on X 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.”
In a post on X/Twitter from The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official account, a message read: “Today marks the first of two visits over the next few weeks to hear more about the human impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Beginning this afternoon, to hear about those supporting the humanitarian response.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales previously spoke of the October 7 attacks on Israel and war in Gaza and said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are profoundly distressed by the devastating events that have unfolded in the past days.
“The horrors inflicted by Hamas’s terrorist attack upon Israel are appalling; they utterly condemn them.”
William also spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and met Palestinian refugees living in a camp in the West Bank.
Sources close to the couple say they are “profoundly concerned” by the violence in Israel and Gaza and “continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds”.
Figures released this month reveal the cases of anti-semitism have soared since the attacks on Israel on October 7.
There has been a 589 per cent increase in the number of incidents compared with the same period in 2022.
The Prince’s appearance today comes after he attended the Baftas without his wife.
Kate, 42, is still recovering from her abdominal surgery, which is set to see the royal take a step back from duties until Easter.
William told how the mum-of-three was gutted she couldn’t attend.
“She does love the Baftas,” he told Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre.
It is the first major public appearance the princess has missed since being admitted to The London Clinic on January 16.
William smiles as he waved to fans from the red carpet, and made a light-hearted joke about his wife’s progress.
He admitted he hadn’t seen many of the nominated movies as he’d been busy at home following his wife’s operation.
The royal said: “I’ve done the fewest I’ve ever done before.
“With my wife it’s been a bit . . . hopefully, we’ll catch up. I’ll make my list tonight.”
He was also spotted chatting to A-list guests such as former England captain David Beckham.
His appearance at the glitzy star-studded event marked the first time William had been seen since Harry declared “I love my family” in a bombshell interview.
Prince Harry made the revelation as he spoke to Good Morning America in Canada.