Palestinian president, Hamas say Pope Francis was 'advocate' and 'friend' of Palestinians

Hamas has reacted to the news of Pope Francis' death, saying he was "a steadfast advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly in his unwavering stance against the war and acts of genocide" against the people of Gaza.

"Today, the world mourns the passing of a prominent global religious figure, His Holiness Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who dedicated his papacy to fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peace across the globe," Hamas official Basem Naim said in a statement.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also reacted to the news, saying Pope Francis was a 'faithful friend' of the Palestinian people.