Pope Francis (file)
Pope Francis (file)Flash 90

Pope Francis called Sunday for those caught up in violence in the Holy Land to have the "courage and fortitude to say no to hatred," after fears weeks of unrest could turn into a full-scale intifada, or terror war against Jews and Israelis.

"I follow with great concern the situation of tension and violence that plagues the Holy Land," he said during Sunday's Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square.

"There is a great need now for the courage and fortitude to say no to hatred and revenge and make gestures of peace."

The Argentine said he prayed to God to "strengthen in all, rulers and citizens, the courage to oppose violence and to take concrete steps to ease tensions." 

"In the current context of the Middle East, peace in the Holy Land is more crucial than ever," he added.

AFP contributed to this report.