VATICAN, November 22. /TASS/. A group of relatives of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have invited Pope Francis to visit the enclave to "pray for peace in the Holy Land " during a meeting with him.

The participants of the meeting told reporters that they shared the tragic stories of the Gaza Strip's residents with the pontiff.

"We ask for a response from the powers that be - not only a ceasefire, but also justice for the Palestinian people who are being subjected to genocide," was the main thesis of the Palestinian delegation. It included 10 people, both Muslims and Palestinian Christians. They were accompanied, according to ANSA, by the rector of the Catholic parish in Gaza, Padre Gabriel Romanelli.

Almost all of them live in other countries. In recent weeks, these people have lost loved ones in Gaza.

Francis also met with a group of Israelis whose relatives were taken hostage by the radical Palestinian movement Hamas. In turn, they met with journalists. According to Noemi Di Sengi, the president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, "the Pope equates everything." "Israel is defending itself against the terror of those who are carrying out a plan to exterminate Jews around the world," ANSA quoted her as saying.

Earlier, the pontiff reported on the meetings at the conclusion of the general audience, admitting that he felt the sorrow of both sides.