Pope Leo raises 'tragic situation in Gaza' in meeting with Israeli president

Pope Leo discussed the "tragic situation in Gaza" during a meeting on Thursday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and called for a permanent ceasefire, Reuters reported, citing the Vatican.

"The pontiff also called for the release of the remaining hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas,'' the statement said. He reiterated the Vatican's support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict.