The US queen of pop shared her plea on social media, saying the pontiff was "the only one of us who cannot be denied entry." Her intervention came as the UK, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan issued a statement saying "famine is unfolding in front of our eyes" and urged action to "reverse starvation". "Most Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late," Madonna posted on Instagram. "As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. "You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry."

Israel has faced mounting pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with UN-backed experts last month warning "the worst-case scenario of famine" was playing out in the besieged territory. It has continued to deny there is starvation in Gaza and has accused UN agencies of not picking up aid at the borders and delivering it. Last week the UN's humanitarian agency said the amount of aid entering Gaza continued to be "far below the minimum required". It said it continued to see impediments and delays as it tries to collect aid from Israeli-controlled border zones.

The Like a Prayer singer added: "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children." She signed off by saying: "There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna." In July, the new Pope renewed his call for a Gaza ceasefire after three people sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City were killed in an Israeli strike. According to PA News, he said: "I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations." (BBC/ Getty Images)