On Tuesday morning, Prince William spoke about the Israel-Hamas war for the first time since he released a statement alongside his wife, Kate Middleton, in the days after Israel was attacked on October 7. Before an engagement meeting with the British Red Cross, the Prince of Wales shared comments on his social media account expressing dismay at the death toll in Gaza.

“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,” he said. “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.”

According to the BBC, the prince informed the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office before making his comments on the matter. A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the outlet that Sunak welcomed the comments. “We want to see an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, so it is consistent with the government position,” she said.

At the British Red Cross’s London headquarters, the prince met with employees who are helping to coordinate humanitarian aid to the region. According to The Daily Mail, the prince had a few friendly conversations with the employees eating lunch and encouraged them to keep their spirits up. “You’re eating very healthy. Sometimes you want a burger,” he joked. “As long as you’re looking after yourselves well—keep it positive,” he added.

According to a spokesperson for the prince, Tuesday’s statement and visit mark the beginning of further engagement with the conflict over the coming weeks. “The Prince of Wales will undertake engagements which recognise the human suffering caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, as well as the rise of antisemitism around the world,” the spokesperson said. “Separately he will join a conversation at a synagogue with young people from a wide range of communities who are advocates against hatred and antisemitism.”

The spokesperson added that Kate, who has been out of the public eye since a planned abdominal surgery in January, is also thinking about the conflict. “The prince and princess were profoundly concerned by events that unfolded in late 2023 and continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds,” they said. “Their Royal Highnesses continue to share in the hope of a better future for all those affected.”