Prince William says there is 'desperate need' for aid in Gaza amid Israel-Hamas war

Prince William wants to see an end to the Israel-Hamas war "as soon as possible."

The monarch released a rare statement Feb. 20 detailing his concerns about the conflict, which first began in October.

"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," Prince William wrote in an Instagram Story.

“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,” the statement on the official Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram page continued. "I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible."

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The prince also said there is “a desperate need” for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home,” Prince William said. “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 an Instagram post on Feb. 20, Prince William said he made a visit to the British Red Cross to better understand how the monarchy can provide assistance to those affected in the Middle East. The royal family typically steers clear of offering political opinions, including the late Queen Elizabeth.

"The queen notably had no official opinion on Brexit," the successful vote that saw England leave the European Union, Myko Clelland, a Scotland-based royal historian with genealogy website MyHeritage previously told USA TODAY. "The monarchy is still here precisely because they've remained above those kinds of decisions."

The public remarks about the war in Gaza come as the royal family has revealed health struggles in recent weeks, including King Charles III's cancer diagnosis announcement earlier this month.

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

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Charles underwent a "corrective procedure" at The London Clinic after the palace previously announced that the monarch, 75, was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.

But that wasn't the only royal run-in with health issues. Two weeks after a "planned abdominal surgery," Princess Kate returned home after she was admitted to the hospital.

"The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided," Kensington Palace said in a statement at the time. "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

Contributing: Marco della Cava

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prince William speaks out about Israel-Hamas war