The Prince of Wales has called for an end to the fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages as he warned that “too many have been killed” in Israel’s conflict.

The Prince, 41, who will meet aid workers involved in the humanitarian effort, said: “I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct 7. 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.”

His comments will be considered a significant intervention in the conflict.

Prince ‘closely following’ conflict

They come five years after the Prince called for “lasting peace for the region”, telling Palestinians during an official visit to the West Bank: “My message tonight is that you have not been forgotten.”

The Prince will be briefed on the latest developments and hear how charities are supporting those on the ground.

Next week, he will join a synagogue discussion with young campaigners against hatred in the wake of a sharp rise in anti-Semitism caused by the ongoing violence.

The Prince has been “closely following” the Gaza conflict since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on Oct 7, the Telegraph understands. Four months on, he is keen to use his platform to highlight the plight of millions of innocent civilians on both sides.