Pope Leo on Wednesday called for an end to the nearly two-year Israel-Hamas conflict, urging a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and safe delivery of humanitarian aid. Speaking at the Vatican, he emphasized the need to protect civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law, including prohibitions on collective punishment and indiscriminate violence, Reuters reported.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed over 1,200 Israelis and at least 62,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, with 251 Israelis held hostage. Leo, the first US pope elected in May, has taken a more cautious approach than his predecessor, Pope Francis, who previously raised concerns about possible war crimes in Gaza.