Pope Leo has appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza and called on Israel and Hamas militants to “completely respect” international humanitarian law.

“In the Gaza Strip, the intense cries are reaching Heaven more and more from mothers and fathers who hold tightly to the bodies of their dead children,” the pontiff says during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

“To those responsible, I renew my appeal; stop the fighting,” says the pope. “Liberate all the hostages. Completely respect humanitarian law.”

Leo, elected on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, also appealed for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Unacceptable and must stop

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, says Israel’s continued assault on the Gaza Strip has become unacceptable and must stop immediately, warning against any move to forcibly displace Palestinians from the enclave.

Tajani spoke to parliament about the situation in Gaza amid mounting Western criticism of Israel, which invaded the Palestinian territory after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on its southern communities.

“The legitimate reaction of the Israeli government to a terrible and senseless act of terrorism is unfortunately taking absolutely dramatic and unacceptable forms, which we call on Israel to stop immediately,” he says.

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