Pope Leo XIV Calls End Collective Punishment Gaza Hostages

Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to end the collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. During his weekly general audience, the pope urged respect for humanitarian law, safe access to aid, and the release of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He emphasized the need to protect civilians and denounced the indiscriminate use of force causing terror, destruction, and death. The pope's appeal echoed the concerns of local Christian leaders in Jerusalem, who have warned that Israel's evacuation orders would put vulnerable civilians at risk. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues military operations around Gaza City, asserting that the offensive aims to weaken Hamas and secure hostages' release, though families of hostages oppose this approach. Tensions between Israel and local Christian churches have intensified amid the conflict, with threats to church properties and charities exacerbating the situation.