Pope Francis Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict

Pope Francis II of the Vatican has called for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

He reiterated his call for the immediate release of prisoners held by Hamas. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned today that the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly catastrophic "hour by hour."

According to France Press Agency, Guterres stated that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, renewing his calls for a ceasefire to end the "nightmare" of bloodshed. He expressed his disappointment during a visit to Kathmandu, stating, “Instead of the much-needed humanitarian truce, supported by the international community, Israel intensified its military operations.”

The Brazilian permanent mission to the United Nations, which currently presides over the Security Council, announced a session to be held tomorrow, Monday, regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This meeting comes at the request of the United Arab Emirates, while the Israeli occupation army announced the expansion of its ground operations in the Gaza Strip.