Patriarch of Jerusalem offers himself up in exchange for child hostages held by Hamas: 'There is total willingness on my part'

• The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem offered himself in exchange for Israeli child hostages.
• He said he was willing to do it if it could secure the children's freedom.
• Israel says that 199 hostages, including children, are being held in Gaza.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pope Francis' representative in the Holy Land, said on Monday that he would be willing to exchange himself for the child hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa made the comment during a video conference with journalists in Italy, according to Reuters.