He gave his strong opinion on the violence, asking the international community to join in trying to help the Israelis and Palestinians reach a peaceful end. Pope Benedict XVI issued this statement from the Vatican: "I implore the end of this violence, which is to be condemned in every way in all its manifestations. I implore the re-establishment of the ceasefire in the Gaza strip. I ask for a strong sign of humanity and wisdom from all those who have responsibilities at all levels in that situation. I ask the international community to try every possible way to help Israelis and Palestinians to come out from the dead-end street and to not give up."