Pope Leo XIV Urges Ceasefire and Protection of Civilians in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the international community to uphold international laws and protect civilians during the ongoing conflict. During his Sunday Angelus prayer from his summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff emphasized the need for peace and a swift end to the violence.
“I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he stated. The Pope also expressed deep sorrow over the Israeli attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to 10 others, including the parish priest. This incident occurred on Thursday, and the damage extended to the church compound where hundreds of Palestinians had sought shelter.
The Pope highlighted the importance of observing humanitarian law, respecting the obligation to protect civilians, and avoiding collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and forced displacement of populations. He called on the global community to act with compassion and responsibility.
A Call for Dialogue and Peace
Earlier on Sunday, the Pope addressed the faithful at the Cathedral of Albano, emphasizing the need for dialogue and the abandonment of weapons. “The world no longer tolerates war,” he said, reflecting on the current situation in Gaza. His message resonated with many who are weary of the prolonged conflict that has now entered its 21st month.
In addition to the attack on the Catholic church, there were reports of dozens killed on Sunday as people attempted to access aid in various locations across Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 73 individuals lost their lives. The Israeli military claimed that soldiers shot at a gathering of thousands in northern Gaza, citing a threat, but acknowledged that the casualty numbers reported by local teams were higher than initially estimated.
The military stated that it is working to facilitate aid entry and accused Hamas militants of creating chaos and endangering civilians. The highest number of casualties was reported in the northern part of Gaza, where at least 67 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid through the Zikim crossing.
Evacuation Orders and UN Concerns
Meanwhile, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for areas in central Gaza, one of the few regions where ground troops have not been heavily involved. These orders restrict movement between Deir al-Balah and southern cities like Rafah and Khan Younis. The United Nations has reached out to Israeli authorities to clarify whether UN facilities in Deir al-Balah are included in the evacuation order.
A UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that in previous instances, UN facilities were typically spared from such orders. The new evacuation announcement covers a wide area, significantly impacting aid groups and civilians. It stretches from previously evacuated zones to the coast, making it difficult for relief efforts to operate effectively.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that the military would continue to attack "with intensity" against militants and urged residents, including those in tents, to move to the Muwasi area, a designated humanitarian zone on Gaza’s southern shore.
Ongoing Ceasefire Talks and Stalemate
Despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas, international mediators have reported no significant breakthroughs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently emphasized that expanding military operations in Gaza will pressure Hamas to negotiate. However, these negotiations have remained stalled for months.
Recently, the Israeli military announced that it controls more than 65% of the Gaza Strip, indicating a shift in the dynamics of the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all civilians caught in the crossfire.
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