Pope voices hope for peace following 'significant steps' in Gaza ceasefire talks

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Pope Leo on Sunday said significant steps have been taken in Middle East peace negotiations and expressed hope that they will soon achieve the desired results.

Speaking during the Angelus at St. Peter's Basilica at the conclusion of Mass for the Jubilee of Migrants and Missionaries, the pope called on all parties involved to commit to peace, implement a ceasefire, and release Israeli hostages.

"In the last few hours, amid the dramatic situation in the Middle East, significant steps forward have been made in the peace negotiations, which I hope will soon achieve the desired results," the pontiff said.

"I continue to be saddened by the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people in Gaza," he added.

Trump unveiled his 20-point plan on Sept. 29, including the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas and rebuilding of Gaza. Hamas approved the plan in principle, agreeing to free all the Israeli captives it holds, but asked to negotiate other aspects of the plan.

Since October 2023, Israeli bombardment has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and most of the infrastructure has been reduced to rubble.